South Branch 34 is a key water resource structure located in Lancaster, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Completed in 1987, this earth dam stands at 34 feet high and spans 870 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 196 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2016, South Branch 34 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks along the TR-S FK Little Nemaha River.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, South Branch 34 is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's drainage area covers 0.9 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 314 cubic feet per second. Despite its relatively small surface area of 12 acres, South Branch 34 serves as a vital infrastructure component within the region's water resource management system, safeguarding the surrounding community from potential flooding events.

With its strategic location and effective design, South Branch 34 represents a successful collaboration between federal and local agencies in addressing flood risks in the area. Supported by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam continues to uphold its critical role in flood risk reduction efforts, showcasing the importance of proactive water resource management practices in ensuring the resilience of communities against the impacts of climate change.