Dorman Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Dorman Dam, located in Garden County, Nebraska, is a crucial water resource infrastructure designed and managed by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

Completed in 1978, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-LOST CREEK river. With a storage capacity of 237.2 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the local government, Dorman Dam is regulated and inspected by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations. The dam has a significant hazard potential but was deemed to be in satisfactory condition during the last assessment in October 2020. Despite the potential risks, the dam has proven to be an effective tool in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding community.

With its strategic location and design, Dorman Dam not only provides flood risk reduction but also contributes to water resource management in the area. As a key component in the local water infrastructure, the dam plays a critical role in safeguarding the community from potential flooding events while ensuring the sustainable use of water resources. The ongoing inspections and maintenance efforts highlight the commitment to the safety and efficiency of this essential water resource structure.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

688

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-LOST CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

237.2

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.