Pieper Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pieper Dam, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed for flood risk reduction on the TR-Platte River.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this Earth dam stands at a height of 15.8 feet and has a length of 385 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 8 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 57.5 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a drainage area of 0.56 square miles, Pieper Dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the region. Its stone core and soil foundation contribute to its structural integrity, while its location in SES24T13R30W serves as a key point for flood control efforts along the Platte River. Although the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated" and its last inspection dates back to September 2015, its maintenance and emergency preparedness are monitored with a 10-year inspection frequency.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pieper Dam represents a vital piece of infrastructure in Nebraska's flood risk reduction strategy. As part of the Kansas City District, the dam's presence helps safeguard the surrounding area from potential inundation events and ensures the efficient management of water flow along the Platte River. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, Pieper Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climates and evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

385

Dam Height

15.8

River Or Stream

TR-PLATTE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.6

Hydraulic Height

15.8

Drainage Area

0.56

Nid Storage

57.5

Structural Height

15.8

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.