Little Nemaha 10 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little Nemaha 10, located in Otoe County, Nebraska, is a local government-owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS to primarily address flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1989, this structure stands at a height of 41 feet with a hydraulic height of 37 feet, protecting an area with a normal storage capacity of 110 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 554 acre-feet. The dam spans 1255 feet in length and is situated on the TR-S BR Little Nemaha River.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Little Nemaha 10 has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2016. With a designated inspection frequency of 5 years, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. The structure's location in the watershed offers valuable insights into water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure for the community's safety and well-being.

As part of the broader network of flood risk reduction measures in Nebraska, Little Nemaha 10 serves as a vital component in the state's regulatory framework, with state oversight ensuring proper permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols are in place. The dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service exemplify collaborative efforts towards sustainable water management practices. By understanding the significance of structures like Little Nemaha 10, water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the interconnectedness of infrastructure, environmental protection, and community resilience in confronting the challenges posed by changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

1255

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

TR-S BR LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

554

Structural Height

45

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

45
       
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.