Palm Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Edgar Dam Darlene Nelson Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Palm Dam, located in Saunders, Nebraska, is a vital structure owned by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
Built in 1980 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction and other water resource management activities. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 890 feet, Palm Dam has a storage capacity of 152 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 16 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential, Palm Dam's condition assessment in 2017 revealed poor maintenance, highlighting the need for regular inspections and potential improvements. The dam's primary purpose, as identified by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, underscores its importance in safeguarding the surrounding area against potential flooding events. With a capacity to discharge up to 756 cubic feet per second, Palm Dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow along the TR-ROCK CREEK stream, contributing to the overall water resource management in the region.
As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Palm Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of government agencies and designers in ensuring the safety and efficiency of water resource management systems. With its strategic location and functional design, Palm Dam continues to serve the community of Ceresco and the wider Saunders County, Nebraska, as a vital asset in mitigating flood risks and supporting sustainable water resource management practices.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
890 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ROCK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
152 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Palm Dam
Wild Wood