Helmink Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Helmink Dam, located in Firth, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure that serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 2000, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a hydraulic height of 20 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 186 acre-feet. With a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2018, Helmink Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Situated on the TR-MID BR BIG NEMAHA RIVER, Helmink Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state enforcement, permitting, and inspection processes in place to ensure its safe operation. Its significant hazard potential underscores the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to mitigate risks. With a drainage area of 0.4 square miles and a maximum discharge of 485 cubic feet per second, Helmink Dam contributes to the overall water management strategy for Lancaster County and the surrounding areas.

As an essential component of the water infrastructure, Helmink Dam plays a vital role in protecting the local community from flood events and ensuring a reliable water supply. With its stone core and soil foundation, this earth dam is designed to withstand the pressures of water flow while maintaining its structural integrity. Regular inspections and a satisfactory condition assessment demonstrate the commitment to safety and effective management of this critical water resource asset in Nebraska.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR-MID BR BIG NEMAHA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

186

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.