Ockinga Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ockinga Dam, located in Adams, Nebraska, along the TR-Little Blue River, serves primarily as a flood risk reduction structure with a storage capacity of 57.5 acre-feet.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1960, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 19.8 feet and spans 475 feet in length. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 revealed poor structural health, indicating a need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the region.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Ockinga Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to uphold safety standards and protect the surrounding community from potential hazards. With a drainage area of 0.42 square miles and a surface area of 10.9 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and reducing flood impacts in the area. While the dam's condition assessment raises concerns, ongoing monitoring and potential improvements can help enhance its performance and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of structures like Ockinga Dam in flood risk reduction and water management is essential. By staying informed about the dam's condition, regulatory oversight, and maintenance needs, enthusiasts can advocate for sustainable practices and policies to protect vital water resources and enhance the resilience of infrastructure in the face of a changing climate. Ockinga Dam serves as a key piece of the puzzle in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events and ensuring a sustainable water future for generations to come.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
475 |
Dam Height |
19.8 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
19.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.42 |
Nid Storage |
57.5 |
Structural Height |
19.8 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Ockinga Dam