Upper Big Nemaha 14-B Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Upper Big Nemaha 14-B is a local government-owned dam located in Lancaster, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the NE DNR.
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Summary
Completed in 1983, this earth dam stands at 20 feet high and spans 643 feet in length, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-MID BR Big Nemaha River. The dam has a storage capacity of 248 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 41 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.5 square miles.
With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2016, Upper Big Nemaha 14-B is a key structure in the flood risk management infrastructure of the area. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 656 cubic feet per second and is inspected every five years to ensure its continued safety and functionality. Despite its solid performance, there are no associated spillways or outlet gates with the dam, highlighting the reliance on its design and construction to manage potential flood events effectively.
Overall, Upper Big Nemaha 14-B serves as a vital component in the flood risk reduction strategy for the region, providing both storage capacity and structural integrity to help mitigate potential flood events along the Big Nemaha River. As a locally owned and regulated structure, it represents a collaborative effort between government agencies and the community to safeguard against the impacts of extreme weather events and protect the surrounding area from flooding. With its strategic location and design features, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1983 |
Dam Length |
643 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MID BR BIG NEMAHA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
248 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
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