Kemper Farms Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kemper Farms Dam, located in Douglas, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam designed for flood risk reduction along the TR-S FK Little Nemaha River.


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Summary

Completed in 1980, this dam stands at a height of 27.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 166.7 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 12.5 acre-feet. Its low hazard potential and not yet rated condition assessment indicate its reliability in mitigating flood risks in the region.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Kemper Farms Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. The dam's location in Otoe County, within Congressional District 01 of Nebraska, highlights its importance in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Despite not having a spillway or outlet gates, the dam's design and construction reflect a commitment to safeguarding the community and the environment.

As a key component of flood risk reduction measures in the region, Kemper Farms Dam plays a vital role in managing water resources and climate impacts. With its strategic location and design features, this dam serves as a critical infrastructure asset in safeguarding the community against the potentially devastating effects of flooding, showcasing the importance of proactive water management in addressing climate-related challenges.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

615

Dam Height

27.6

River Or Stream

TR-S FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.8

Hydraulic Height

27.6

Drainage Area

0.65

Nid Storage

166.7

Structural Height

27.6

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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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.