Frear Dam 3561 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dageforde Dam 9433 Frear Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Frear Dam 3561, located in Orleans, Nebraska, along the TR-Republican River, stands as a crucial structure designed for flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this earth dam boasts a height of 15.2 meters and a storage capacity of 58.1 million gallons. With a low hazard potential, the dam serves as a vital component in the water resource management of the region, safeguarding against potential flood events and ensuring the safety of nearby communities in Harlan County.
Managed by private owners, Frear Dam 3561 falls under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state regulatory agencies overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated as of the last inspection in June 2018. With a designated emergency action plan and a regular inspection frequency of five years, the dam is well-prepared to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the continued safety of its surrounding areas.
As part of a network of essential infrastructure, Frear Dam 3561 plays a critical role in water resource management and climate resilience in Nebraska. With its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this earth dam stands as a testament to the collaboration between private owners and state regulators in maintaining the integrity of vital water structures. As climate change continues to impact the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the importance of structures like Frear Dam 3561 in safeguarding against flooding and ensuring water security for local communities cannot be overstated.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
260 |
Dam Height |
15.2 |
River Or Stream |
TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
15.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.89 |
Nid Storage |
58.1 |
Structural Height |
15.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Frear Dam 3561