Janssen Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Janssen Dam, located in Talmage, Nebraska, is a private irrigation dam on the Little Nemaha River.
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Summary
Completed in 1977, this earth-fill dam stands at a height of 24 feet, with a length of 1100 feet. It has a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of irrigation in the region. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Janssen Dam is considered to be in fair condition as of its last assessment in October 2016. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently not available. The dam is not owned or funded by any federal agencies, but is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the Nebraska DNR. With a drainage area of 0.5 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 340 cubic feet per second, Janssen Dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the Otoe County region.
Overall, Janssen Dam serves as a vital water resource infrastructure for irrigation purposes in Nebraska. Its strategic location on the Little Nemaha River and its storage capacity of 165 acre-feet contribute significantly to the region's agricultural productivity. Regular inspections and state regulatory oversight ensure the dam's safety and functionality, making it a key asset in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
1100 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
165 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Missouri River At Nebraska City
|
24100cfs |
Weeping Water Creek At Union
|
20cfs |
Little Nemaha River At Auburn
|
82cfs |
Salt Creek At Roca
|
5cfs |
Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg
|
1190cfs |
Platte R At Louisville Ne
|
4630cfs |
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.
Janssen Dam