South Fork 4-2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: South Fork 11-1 South Fork 2-A
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
South Fork 4-2 is a dam located in Pawnee, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1978.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 35 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 332 acre-feet, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition.
Situated on the TR-S FK BIG NEMAHA RIVER, South Fork 4-2 covers a drainage area of 0.7 square miles and has a maximum discharge capacity of 511 cubic feet per second. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, this dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the region. The dam's location in Salem, Nebraska, makes it a key structure for flood risk mitigation and water storage in the area.
Managed by the local government, South Fork 4-2 plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flood events. With its stone core and soil foundation, this dam serves as a reliable structure for water resource management and environmental conservation efforts in the region. As climate change continues to impact water availability and extreme weather events, the South Fork 4-2 dam remains a critical asset for sustainable water management in Pawnee, Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
1027 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
TR-S FK BIG NEMAHA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
332 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
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.
South Fork 4-2