Mardel Copple Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Mardel Copple Dam, located in Homer, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
Completed in 2008, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and has a structural height of 37 feet, with a length of 210 feet. The dam serves a primary purpose other than flood control or water supply, with a normal storage capacity of 8 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 26 acre-feet. It sits on TR-Fiddler's Creek and has a low hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2020.
The dam's location in Dakota County, Nebraska, makes it a vital component of the local water resource management system. With a drainage area of 0.2 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 403 cubic feet per second, Mardel Copple Dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and mitigating potential flood risks in the area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular inspections and is maintained to meet state regulatory standards, ensuring its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Mardel Copple Dam's design and operational details will find it intriguing that this structure is not only a key element in local water management but also a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners, regulatory agencies, and design professionals. The dam's construction by USDA NRCS and its state-regulated status highlight the importance of sound infrastructure development and maintenance practices in safeguarding water resources and enhancing climate resilience in the region. As a relatively new facility with a satisfactory condition assessment, Mardel Copple Dam stands as a reliable asset for water management in Homer, Nebraska, and serves as a model for sustainable infrastructure planning in similar environments.
Year Completed |
2008 |
Dam Length |
210 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TR-FIDDLER'S CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
26 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Omaha Cr At Homer
|
45cfs |
South Omaha Creek At Walthill
|
11cfs |
Missouri River At Sioux City
|
14400cfs |
Logan Creek At Wakefield
|
149cfs |
Floyd River At James
|
187cfs |
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
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.
Mardel Copple Dam
200th Street Dakota County