Upper Little Nemaha 31 West is a local government-owned dam located in Palmyra, Nebraska, along the TR-Little Nemaha River. Completed in 2002, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction in the area. With a normal storage capacity of 48 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 827 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Upper Little Nemaha 31 West has a satisfactory condition assessment and a low hazard potential. The dam spans 770 feet in length and covers a surface area of 9 acres, with a drainage area of 0.9 square miles. Despite its relatively modest size, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure piece in the region's water resource management efforts, helping to mitigate flood risks and safeguard the local ecosystem from potential harm.

With its stone core and soil foundation, Upper Little Nemaha 31 West showcases the importance of effective dam design and construction in enhancing water resource resilience. Regularly inspected and maintained, this dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between local governments and state agencies in ensuring the safety and functionality of critical water infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and water levels, structures like Upper Little Nemaha 31 West will play an increasingly vital role in adapting to and mitigating the effects of a changing climate on water resources.