Sachs-Palmer Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Sachs-Palmer Dam, located in Rural Elkhorn, Nebraska, along the TR-N BR W Papio Creek, was completed in 2002 by Norm Koester Engineering.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet, with a structural height of 40 feet, and a length of 787 feet, providing flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. The dam has a storage capacity of 352 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 87 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 5055 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Sachs-Palmer Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential but is currently rated as satisfactory in its condition assessment. The dam is inspected annually, with the last inspection conducted in April 2020. While no spillway type or width is specified, the dam serves a critical purpose in mitigating flood risks and protecting the area from potential water-related disasters. The dam's location and design make it a vital piece of infrastructure in water resource management for the region.
With its strategic positioning and design, Sachs-Palmer Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the Douglas County area in Nebraska. As a key piece of infrastructure for flood risk reduction, the dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the face of increasing environmental challenges. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of dams like Sachs-Palmer is essential for promoting sustainable practices and protecting our communities from the impacts of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
2002 |
Dam Length |
787 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-N BR W PAPIO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
352 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Elkhorn River At Waterloo
|
1120cfs |
Big Papillion Cr
|
38cfs |
Platte River Nr Leshara
|
5270cfs |
Missouri River At Omaha
|
17500cfs |
Platte R Nr Ashland
|
6290cfs |
Wahoo Creek At Ithaca
|
53cfs |
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.
Sachs-Palmer Dam
North 242nd Street Douglas County