South Branch 63 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
South Branch 63, located in Johnson County, Nebraska, is a locally-owned earth dam completed in 1994 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
The dam stands at 46 feet tall with a structural height of 40 feet and a length of 918 feet. It has a storage capacity of 536 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 98 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.3 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to ensure its satisfactory condition.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, South Branch 63 serves as a critical infrastructure for flood control along the South Fork Little Nemaha River. The dam's stone core and soil foundation contribute to its stability, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1,248 cubic feet per second. The dam covers a surface area of 15 acres and is situated within the Kansas City District, ensuring effective oversight and regulation. Its location in the city of Brock highlights its importance in protecting the local community from potential flood events.
With a history of successful flood risk reduction and a comprehensive inspection and maintenance program in place, South Branch 63 exemplifies effective water resource management in Nebraska. Its role in safeguarding the surrounding area from inundation underscores the importance of proactive infrastructure investment in mitigating the impacts of climate change. As a key component of the state's flood control strategy, this dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and the USDA NRCS in ensuring the resilience of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1994 |
Dam Length |
918 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
TR-S FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Drainage Area |
2.3 |
Nid Storage |
536 |
Structural Height |
46 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
46 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
South Branch 63