South Branch 1-6 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

South Branch 1-6 is a local government-owned earth dam located in Douglas, Nebraska, along the TR-S FK Little Nemaha River.


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Summary

Built in 1992 by the USDA NRCS, this structure serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 26 feet and a hydraulic height of 19 feet, it has a capacity of 132 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition.

Despite its low hazard potential, South Branch 1-6 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam's structural integrity and satisfactory condition are maintained through routine inspections, with the last assessment conducted in May 2020. With a drainage area of 0.5 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 48 cubic feet per second, this earth dam provides essential protection to the surrounding community and infrastructure. Its location in Otoe County, Nebraska, highlights its significance in managing water resources and climate-related challenges in the area.

As part of the flood risk reduction infrastructure, South Branch 1-6 contributes to the overall resilience of the region against potential water-related disasters. The dam's design by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflects a commitment to sustainable water management practices. With state-regulated permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place, this earth dam stands as a testament to collaborative efforts in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1992

Dam Length

675

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-S FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

132

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.