Thomsen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Copley Dam Donco Partnership Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Thomsen Dam, located in Franklin, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed for flood risk reduction along TR-REAMS Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 21.4 feet and spans a length of 560 feet, with a storage capacity of 153.6 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.19 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 revealed poor structural integrity, prompting the need for maintenance and inspection every five years.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Thomsen Dam is regulated and permitted by the state, ensuring compliance with safety standards and enforcement measures. Its primary purpose remains flood risk reduction, serving as a crucial infrastructure to mitigate potential water-related disasters in the region. Although the dam's condition assessment raised concerns about its structural integrity, ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight aim to safeguard the community and environment from potential risks associated with dam failure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Thomsen Dam represents a significant piece of infrastructure in Nebraska's flood management system. With its location in Franklin County and close proximity to TR-REAMS Creek, the dam plays a vital role in protecting surrounding areas from flooding events. As efforts to maintain and assess the dam's condition continue, stakeholders, including the public and regulatory agencies, are essential in ensuring the long-term safety and effectiveness of Thomsen Dam in preserving water resources and managing climate-related risks in the region.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
560 |
Dam Height |
21.4 |
River Or Stream |
TR-REAMS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
21.4 |
Drainage Area |
2.19 |
Nid Storage |
153.6 |
Structural Height |
21.4 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Prairie Dog C Nr Woodruff
|
0cfs |
Republican River Near Orleans
|
59cfs |
Republican River At Guide Rock
|
35cfs |
Nf Solomon R At Glade
|
8cfs |
Sappa Creek Near Stamford
|
4cfs |
Nf Solomon R At Portis
|
21cfs |
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.
Thomsen Dam