Upper Little Nemaha 59 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Vogt Dam Upper Little Nemaha 50
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Upper Little Nemaha 59, located in Syracuse, Nebraska, is a local government-owned earth dam completed in 1998 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Owl Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
With a dam height of 41 feet and a length of 1012 feet, it provides a normal storage capacity of 51 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 336 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in May 2017.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Upper Little Nemaha 59 is state-regulated, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events by controlling the flow of water in the region. Its location in Otoe County, Nebraska, makes it a crucial infrastructure for flood management and water resource conservation in the area.
As part of the flood risk reduction strategy, Upper Little Nemaha 59 plays a vital role in mitigating the impact of extreme weather events and ensuring the safety of nearby communities. With its functional design and satisfactory condition, this earth dam stands as a crucial asset in the overall water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
1012 |
Dam Height |
41 |
River Or Stream |
OWL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
41 |
Drainage Area |
1.2 |
Nid Storage |
336 |
Structural Height |
47 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
47 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Stevens Creek Nr. Lincoln
|
3cfs |
Salt Creek At Greenwood
|
125cfs |
Salt Creek At 70th St. At Lincoln
|
92cfs |
Salt Creek At Roca
|
5cfs |
Weeping Water Creek At Union
|
20cfs |
Platte R At Louisville Ne
|
4630cfs |
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.
Upper Little Nemaha 59