Brown Grain & Livestock Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Shafer Dam Campbell Dam 480
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Brown Grain & Livestock Dam, located in Furnas, Nebraska, was completed in 1980 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond.
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Summary
This privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 17.3 feet and has a storage capacity of 130.9 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 75.8 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Sappa Creek, the dam covers a surface area of 12.3 acres and has a drainage area of 0.67 square miles, making it an essential water resource in the region.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, this dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, Brown Grain & Livestock Dam is crucial for water management, agricultural activities, and emergency preparedness in the area. While the dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates, it plays a significant role in maintaining water levels for various needs in the region, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Brown Grain & Livestock Dam offers a fascinating case study of how private dams can contribute to local water security and ecosystem health. With its earth structure and stone core, this dam represents a blend of traditional dam construction techniques with modern regulatory oversight. Understanding the role of such dams in maintaining water availability and supporting diverse wildlife populations is crucial in the context of climate change, emphasizing the need for sustainable water management practices to ensure long-term resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
325 |
Dam Height |
17.3 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SAPPA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
17.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.67 |
Nid Storage |
130.9 |
Structural Height |
17.3 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Brown Grain & Livestock Dam