Oltman Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bruntz Dam Sokolik Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Oltman Dam, located in Saline, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1938 by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
With a structural height of 15.6 feet and a length of 375 feet, the dam provides a maximum storage capacity of 52.6 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 0.4 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-Turkey Creek and is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
Despite its low hazard potential, Oltman Dam is in poor condition as of the last assessment in March 2016. The dam has a designated inspection frequency of 5 years, with the last inspection conducted in March 2016. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, and the dam's risk assessment and management measures are currently unspecified. Although the dam does not fall under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, its condition warrants attention and potential maintenance to ensure its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community and water resources.
In conclusion, Oltman Dam serves as a vital structure for water resource management and protection in Saline, Nebraska. Its historical significance and primary purposes make it a key component of the local ecosystem and community. However, with its poor condition and lack of certain safety measures in place, there is a need for continued monitoring and potential improvements to ensure the dam's longevity and effectiveness in the face of changing climate conditions and water resource needs.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
15.6 |
River Or Stream |
TR-TURKEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
15.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.44 |
Nid Storage |
52.6 |
Structural Height |
15.6 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Oltman Dam