Upper Little Nemaha 5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Unadilla, Nebraska, Upper Little Nemaha 5 is a local government-owned earth dam designed for flood risk reduction on the TR-Hooper Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1996, this structure stands at a height of 48 feet and spans 1190 feet, offering storage capacity of 2035 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential, Upper Little Nemaha 5 has a satisfactory condition assessment as of March 2020 and is regularly inspected by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.

The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving the community by safeguarding against potential inundation events. With a drainage area of 7.4 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 3851 cubic feet per second, Upper Little Nemaha 5 plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting downstream areas from flooding. Its location in Otoe County, Nebraska, underscores the importance of this structure in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities.

As a key component of the flood management infrastructure in the region, Upper Little Nemaha 5 is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. Its earth core and stone foundation contribute to its structural integrity, while the dam's satisfactory condition assessment indicates that it is well-maintained and operational. With a focus on flood risk reduction and a commitment to protecting the local area from potential inundation, Upper Little Nemaha 5 stands as a vital asset in the ongoing efforts to manage water resources and climate challenges in the region.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

1190

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

TR-HOOPER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

46

Hydraulic Height

40

Drainage Area

7.4

Nid Storage

2035

Structural Height

48

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

48
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.