Thompson Dam 3519 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Thompson Dam 3520 Ehrke Dam
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Thompson Dam 3519, located in Furnas, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1960 for flood risk reduction along TR- Sappa Creek.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 26.8 feet and a length of 300 feet, this dam provides storage capacity of 28.4 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 0.14 square miles. Despite its structural integrity being deemed poor as of the last inspection in March 2017, the dam's hazard potential is categorized as low.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NE DNR), Thompson Dam 3519 is subject to state regulations, with provisions for permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Although no associated structures or federal agency involvement have been reported, the dam remains an essential asset for flood control in the region. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation and damage during periods of heavy precipitation.
As a strategic infrastructure within Congressional District 03, Nebraska, Thompson Dam 3519 contributes to the overall environmental resilience and water resource management efforts in the state. While the dam's condition assessment indicates the need for improvement, its historical significance and functional importance underscore the ongoing need for monitoring, maintenance, and potential rehabilitation to ensure its continued effectiveness in safeguarding the local community and environment from flood hazards.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
26.8 |
River Or Stream |
TR- Sappa Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
26.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.14 |
Nid Storage |
28.4 |
Structural Height |
26.8 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Thompson Dam 3519