Upper Little Nemaha 31 East Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Little Nemaha 31 East is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Palmyra, Nebraska, along the TR-Little Nemaha River.


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Summary

Completed in 2002, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and has a hydraulic height of 33 feet, providing crucial protection to the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 338 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.4 square miles, this dam plays a significant role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the region.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Upper Little Nemaha 31 East has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in May 2016. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and can discharge up to 1094 cubic feet per second in times of high water flow. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it serves as a critical infrastructure for protecting the local community from potential inundation events. With a solid stone core and soil foundation, this structure showcases the importance of effective water resource management in maintaining the resilience of our climate-vulnerable landscapes.

Situated within Congressional District 01 of Nebraska, Upper Little Nemaha 31 East exemplifies the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and state regulators to ensure the safety and integrity of dam structures. With state permitting, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms in place, this dam stands as a testament to proactive risk management practices in the face of changing environmental conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of infrastructure like Upper Little Nemaha 31 East is crucial in fostering sustainable water management strategies for a more resilient future.

Year Completed

2002

Dam Length

905

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

1.4

Nid Storage

338

Structural Height

40

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Upper Little Nemaha 31 EastSALT CREEK AT ROCA Preview Salt Creek At Roca
4.93cfs
5cfs
Upper Little Nemaha 31 EastSTEVENS CREEK NR. LINCOLN Preview Stevens Creek Nr. Lincoln
2.69cfs
3cfs
Upper Little Nemaha 31 EastSALT CREEK AT PIONEERS BLVD AT LINCOLN Preview Salt Creek At Pioneers Blvd At Lincoln
10.5cfs
11cfs
Upper Little Nemaha 31 EastSALT CREEK AT 70th ST. AT LINCOLN Preview Salt Creek At 70th St. At Lincoln
91.8cfs
92cfs
Upper Little Nemaha 31 EastSALT CREEK AT LINCOLN Preview Salt Creek At Lincoln
76.6cfs
77cfs
Upper Little Nemaha 31 EastSALT CREEK AT GREENWOOD Preview Salt Creek At Greenwood
125.0cfs
125cfs

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.
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