Trausch Brothers Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Adams County, Nebraska, the Trausch Brothers Dam stands as a vital infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the TR-Little Blue River.
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Summary
Completed in 1975, this privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and a length of 1213 feet, providing a storage capacity of 285 acre-feet to protect the surrounding area from potential inundation. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's poor condition assessment as of April 2017 raises concerns about its long-term effectiveness in flood risk reduction.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the Trausch Brothers Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. While its primary purpose remains flood risk reduction, the dam's subpar condition highlights the need for ongoing maintenance and potential rehabilitation to enhance its resilience in the face of changing climate patterns. With a drainage area of 1.2 square miles and a surface area of 5 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local community from the impacts of extreme weather events.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor the Trausch Brothers Dam's state-mandated inspections and regulatory oversight, the dam's significance in protecting the surrounding area from flood risks becomes increasingly apparent. With its location along the TR-Little Blue River and its strategic role in flood mitigation efforts, the dam serves as a key asset in Nebraska's water resource management infrastructure. As stakeholders work towards ensuring the dam's continued functionality and resilience, the Trausch Brothers Dam remains a focal point for sustainable water resource management and climate resilience initiatives in the region.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
1213 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
1.2 |
Nid Storage |
285 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
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