Kuhn Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Lancaster, Nebraska, the Kuhn Dam is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1975, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet with a length of 615 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. The dam's primary source agency is Nebraska, and it falls under the regulatory oversight of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.

With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of June 2016, the Kuhn Dam serves as a crucial resource for water management in the region, offering a surface area of 3 acres and a drainage area of 0.5 square miles. The dam's normal storage capacity is 20 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge rate of 126 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam has been inspected regularly, with the last assessment conducted in June 2016, showcasing its commitment to safety and efficiency.

The Kuhn Dam plays a vital role in ensuring water resource sustainability and climate resilience in the area, benefiting from the expertise of the Natural Resources Conservation Service in its design. Situated along the TR-Little Nemaha River, this structure exemplifies the importance of private ownership in water infrastructure development and management. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the Kuhn Dam stands as a testament to proactive measures taken to safeguard against potential risks and ensure reliable water supply for various needs in the region.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

615

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

65

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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.