Ham Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Percival Erickson Dam Dam 17-7-5w
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Ham Dam, located in Sutton, Nebraska, along the TR-School Creek, is a privately owned structure primarily designed for flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Built in 1976, this earth dam stands at a height of 19.4 feet with a hydraulic height of 16.7 feet, serving a crucial purpose in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam has a storage capacity of 157.8 acre-feet and covers a drainage area of 1.18 square miles, with a normal storage volume of 60.4 acre-feet.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Ham Dam is state regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam undergoes regular inspections every 5 years to monitor its safety and effectiveness. Although the dam does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or updated inundation maps, it plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the local community from potential water-related disasters.
In the Congressional District 03 of Nebraska, Ham Dam represents a critical infrastructure designed to safeguard the area from flooding events, demonstrating the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Ham Dam in maintaining environmental balance and ensuring community safety is essential for promoting sustainable development and resilience to changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
370 |
Dam Height |
19.4 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SCHOOL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
16.7 |
Drainage Area |
1.18 |
Nid Storage |
157.8 |
Structural Height |
19.4 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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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.
Ham Dam