Upper Little Nemaha 34 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Little Nemaha 34 is a local government-owned earth dam located in Unadilla, Nebraska, designed for flood risk reduction on the Silver Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1996, this dam stands at a height of 42 feet and has a storage capacity of 1637 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 5.6 square miles. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of 2016, this structure plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the surrounding area.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Upper Little Nemaha 34 is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. It is equipped with outlet gates and has a spillway type and width not specified in the data. Despite not being operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this dam remains an essential infrastructure for flood control and water resource management in Otoe County, Nebraska.

As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and water availability, structures like Upper Little Nemaha 34 play a vital role in safeguarding communities against the increasing threat of floods. With its strategic location on the Silver Creek and effective flood risk reduction capabilities, this dam stands as a testament to local government efforts in preserving water resources and addressing the challenges of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

1280

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

SILVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

44

Hydraulic Height

41

Drainage Area

5.6

Nid Storage

1637

Structural Height

52

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

52
       
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.