Long Branch 42 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Long Branch 42, located in Richardson, Nebraska, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1981, this earth dam stands at 38 feet high and stretches 750 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 229 acre-feet to manage the flow of the Crooked Branch Creek. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Long Branch 42 serves as a vital piece of infrastructure in mitigating flood risks in the region.

Managed by local government authorities, Long Branch 42 plays a significant role in protecting the community from potential flooding events. The dam's primary purpose remains flood risk reduction, with a design that includes stone core and soil foundation, ensuring structural integrity and reliability. The dam's location near Humboldt underscores its importance in safeguarding the surrounding area from water-related emergencies, with a maximum discharge capacity of 432 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, Long Branch 42 continues to meet inspection and regulatory standards, demonstrating its essential role in water resource management. With a history of satisfactory condition assessments and a comprehensive emergency action plan, this earth dam exemplifies effective collaboration between federal agencies like the USDA NRCS and state authorities like the Nebraska DNR. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Long Branch 42 is vital in appreciating the efforts made to protect communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-CROOKED BRANCH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

229

Structural Height

38

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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.