Thompson Dam 3520 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Thompson Dam 3520, located in Stamford, Nebraska, on TR-SAPPA CREEK, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1960 for flood risk reduction purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 22.4 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 69.7 acre-feet and a surface area of 6.5 acres, serving the local community in Furnas County. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Despite its low hazard potential, Thompson Dam 3520 is currently in poor condition as assessed during its last inspection in March 2017. Located in a rural area, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding environment. With a drainage area of 0.5 square miles, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for managing water resources and maintaining water quality in the region. As a significant structure in the area, efforts are needed to improve its condition and ensure its long-term effectiveness for flood risk reduction.

As a key component in the flood risk reduction system, Thompson Dam 3520 requires ongoing maintenance and potential rehabilitation to enhance its performance and safety standards. With its importance for the local community and environment, stakeholders, including regulatory agencies and private owners, must work together to address the dam's poor condition and implement necessary risk management measures. By prioritizing the dam's upkeep and investing in its maintenance, Thompson Dam 3520 can continue to safeguard the area from potential flooding events and contribute to sustainable water resource management in Nebraska.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

375

Dam Height

22.4

River Or Stream

TR-SAPPA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.5

Hydraulic Height

22.4

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

69.7

Structural Height

22.4

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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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.