North Fork Big Nemaha 23-D Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Fork Big Nemaha 23-D is a local government-owned earth dam located in Lancaster, Nebraska, designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1976 for flood risk reduction along the TR-N Fork Big Nemaha River.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 30 feet with a hydraulic height of 27 feet and a length of 970 feet, providing a storage capacity of 580 acre-feet to mitigate potential flood hazards in the area. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in May 2020 reported it as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its safety and effectiveness in flood control.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, North Fork Big Nemaha 23-D is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspections, and enforcement to uphold safety standards and operational efficiency. With a drainage area of 1.9 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 100 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events. However, its poor condition assessment underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and potential rehabilitation efforts to enhance its resilience and performance in safeguarding the area against flood risks.

As climate change intensifies and water resources management becomes increasingly critical, the significance of structures like North Fork Big Nemaha 23-D in flood risk reduction and water conservation cannot be overstated. With a history of flood control dating back to 1976, this earth dam serves as a vital component of the region's infrastructure, requiring continued attention and investment to ensure its long-term functionality and effectiveness in protecting the local environment and communities from the impacts of extreme weather events and rising water levels.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

970

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-N FK BIG NEMAHA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

1.9

Nid Storage

580

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

North Fork Big Nemaha 23-DSALT CREEK AT ROCA Preview Salt Creek At Roca
4.93cfs
5cfs
North Fork Big Nemaha 23-DSALT CREEK AT PIONEERS BLVD AT LINCOLN Preview Salt Creek At Pioneers Blvd At Lincoln
10.5cfs
11cfs
North Fork Big Nemaha 23-DHAINES BRANCH AT SW 56th ST. AT LINCOLN Preview Haines Branch At Sw 56th St. At Lincoln
1.33cfs
1cfs
North Fork Big Nemaha 23-DSTEVENS CREEK NR. LINCOLN Preview Stevens Creek Nr. Lincoln
2.69cfs
3cfs
North Fork Big Nemaha 23-DMIDDLE CREEK AT SW 40th ST. AT LINCOLN Preview Middle Creek At Sw 40th St. At Lincoln
1.26cfs
1cfs
North Fork Big Nemaha 23-DSALT CREEK AT LINCOLN Preview Salt Creek At Lincoln
76.6cfs
77cfs

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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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