Brandt Dam dam
Brandt Dam
Brandt Dam, located in Lancaster County, Nebraska, is a private earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS to primarily reduce flood risks along the TR-CARDWELL BR SALT CREEK. Completed in 1977, this structure stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 580 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently assessed as poor, indicating the need for maintenance and potential improvements to ensure its effectiveness in flood control.
The dam is regulated and inspected by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state jurisdiction and permitting in place. However, the dam's poor condition raises concerns about its long-term reliability in flood risk reduction. With a maximum discharge capacity of 82 cubic feet per second, the Brandt Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from flooding events. Efforts to improve its condition and ensure its structural integrity will be essential for maintaining its effectiveness in water resource management and climate resilience.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of infrastructure like the Brandt Dam in mitigating flood risks and protecting communities is vital. By advocating for proper maintenance, inspections, and potential upgrades to enhance its functionality, we can contribute to the overall resilience of our water systems and support sustainable management practices in the face of changing environmental conditions. Let's stay informed and engaged in the upkeep of crucial structures like the Brandt Dam to safeguard our water resources and communities for generations to come.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Brandt Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Haines Branch At Sw 56th St. At Lincoln | 11 cfs | → |
| Salt Creek At Pioneers Blvd At Lincoln | 9 cfs | → |
| Middle Creek At Sw 40th St. At Lincoln | 1 cfs | → |
| Salt Creek At Roca | 5 cfs | → |
| Oak Creek At Air Park Rd At Lincoln | 23 cfs | → |
| Salt Creek At Lincoln | 99 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Brandt Dam.
Track Brandt Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Brandt Dam
Where does the data for Brandt Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Brandt Dam.