Schurman Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Steinkruger Dam Dallman Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Schurman Dam, located in Franklin, Nebraska, on Lovely Creek, stands as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction in the region.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this earth dam with a height of 16.4 feet and a length of 270 feet provides a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 11.5 feet. Despite its importance, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its long-term functionality.
Managed by a private entity, Schurman Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state jurisdiction and oversight ensured in terms of permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Its hazard potential is classified as low, although its condition warrants attention to prevent any unforeseen failures that could impact the surrounding area. The dam's location in a rural setting adds to its significance in protecting nearby communities from potential flooding events.
While Schurman Dam serves primarily as a flood risk reduction measure, its role in water resource management and climate resilience cannot be understated. With a drainage area of 0.57 square miles and a surface area of 4.3 acres, the dam contributes to the overall hydrological system in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the preservation and maintenance of infrastructure like Schurman Dam are vital in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
270 |
Dam Height |
16.4 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LOVELY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
16.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.57 |
Nid Storage |
57 |
Structural Height |
16.4 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Republican River At Guide Rock
|
35cfs |
Republican River Near Orleans
|
59cfs |
Prairie Dog C Nr Woodruff
|
0cfs |
Sappa Creek Near Stamford
|
4cfs |
Platte River Near Kearney
|
1810cfs |
White Rock C Nr Burr Oak
|
5cfs |
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.
Schurman Dam