Miller Grade Stabilization Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Miller Grade Stabilization Dam, located in Sterling, Nebraska, was completed in 1997 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This private dam stands at 24 feet high and stretches 700 feet in length, serving the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-N FK BIG NEMAHA RIVER. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, this earth dam with stone core types plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Lancaster County.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the Miller Grade Stabilization Dam has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles. The dam's design, construction, and inspection are overseen by the NRCS, ensuring its effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding area. With state jurisdiction, permitting, and enforcement in place, the dam operates within regulatory guidelines to safeguard the local community.

Despite its relatively small surface area of 5 acres, the Miller Grade Stabilization Dam is a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region. With regular inspections every five years and a history of satisfactory condition assessments, this dam serves as a testament to effective collaboration between private owners, state agencies, and federal designers in safeguarding the local ecosystem and communities from potential flood events.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TR-N FK BIG NEMAHA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.