Upper Big Nemaha G-16a Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Upper Big Nemaha G-16a is a vital earth dam located in Gage, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
Completed in 1980, this dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction and other water resource management activities. With a height of 26 feet and a length of 630 feet, Upper Big Nemaha G-16a has a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.7 square miles.
This structure on the TR-N FK BIG NEMAHA RIVER is owned by the local government and has a low hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2020. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is inspected every 5 years to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is equipped with outlet gates and has a maximum discharge capacity of 350 cubic feet per second. With its strategic location and design, Upper Big Nemaha G-16a plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Overall, Upper Big Nemaha G-16a stands as a testament to effective collaboration between state and federal agencies in ensuring the safety and functionality of essential water infrastructure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the significance of structures like Upper Big Nemaha G-16a in mitigating flood risks, managing water resources, and promoting sustainable development in Nebraska. With its satisfactory condition assessment and regular inspections, this earth dam continues to contribute to the overall resilience of the region's water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
630 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-N FK BIG NEMAHA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
126 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
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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