Woollen Farms Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Woollen Farms Dam, located in Alma, Nebraska, along the TR-Republican River, was completed in 1960 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This privately-owned earth dam stands at a height of 15.3 feet and has a storage capacity of 58.4 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 29.7 acre-feet. The dam, constructed with a stone core and soil foundation, spans 235 feet in length and covers a surface area of 5.5 acres within a drainage area of 1.21 square miles.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NE DNR), Woollen Farms Dam is state-regulated and subject to regular inspections, with the latest assessment conducted in April 2020 indicating a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated." With a history of serving its community by mitigating flood risks along the Republican River, the dam remains an essential infrastructure for water resource management in Harlan County. While it has not undergone any modifications in recent years, the dam continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding areas from potential inundation events.

Under the jurisdiction of Congressional District 03 in Nebraska, Woollen Farms Dam benefits from state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures to ensure its operational integrity and public safety. With its strategic location and design features, this significant earth dam serves as a vital component in the broader network of flood control infrastructure in the region, highlighting the critical role of water resource management in addressing climate-related challenges and protecting communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

235

Dam Height

15.3

River Or Stream

TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.5

Hydraulic Height

15.3

Drainage Area

1.21

Nid Storage

58.4

Structural Height

15.3

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.