Champion Mill Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Champion Mill Dam, located in Chase, Nebraska, along Frenchman Creek, is a historic structure completed in 1887 with a primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 14 feet in height and stretches 450 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 140.5 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is in satisfactory condition and has a low hazard potential according to the latest inspection in October 2018.
Owned and regulated by the state of Nebraska, specifically the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Champion Mill Dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding area while offering recreational benefits to visitors. The dam's design, incorporating buttress and stone core types on a soil foundation, reflects a blend of traditional and modern engineering techniques. Its location in the picturesque city of Champion adds to its appeal as a destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in exploring the beauty and functionality of this historic infrastructure.
With no spillway or outlet gates identified, Champion Mill Dam presents a unique opportunity for further study and analysis to enhance its safety and operational efficiency. As a site with a rich history and ecological significance along Frenchman Creek, the dam serves as a valuable resource for understanding the intersection of water management, climate resilience, and recreational use in the state of Nebraska. As efforts continue to preserve and maintain this important structure, Champion Mill Dam stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between humans and water resources in a changing climate landscape.
Year Completed |
1887 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
FRENCHMAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
430 |
Nid Storage |
140.5 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Champion Lake State Rec Area
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Church Grove
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Cow Beach
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Area "B"
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Private Cabins
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Center Dam
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Champion Mill Dam