Long Branch 41 dam
Long Branch 41
Long Branch 41 is a crucial structure located in Richardson, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the Crooked Branch Creek. Completed in 1981, this earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and spans a length of 1121 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 1048 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 146 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3.9 square miles, Long Branch 41 plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Long Branch 41 has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2018. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it operates under the oversight of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Despite its critical role in flood control, Long Branch 41 has not undergone substantial modifications since its completion and does not fall under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Long Branch 41 serves as a notable example of successful infrastructure designed to protect communities from potential flooding events. Its strategic location, design features, and regulatory oversight highlight the importance of effective water management practices in mitigating natural hazards and safeguarding the environment. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and water availability, structures like Long Branch 41 play a crucial role in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of water resources in the face of evolving climatic conditions.
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 Long Branch 41 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| North Fork Big Nemaha River At Humboldt | 850 cfs | → |
| Little Nemaha River At Auburn | 743 cfs | → |
| Turkey C Nr Seneca | 147 cfs | → |
| Big Nemaha River At Falls City | 1,470 cfs | → |
| Missouri River At Rulo | 39,800 cfs | → |
| Tarkio River At Fairfax Mo | 540 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Long Branch 41.
Boat launches
- Kirkmans Cove Lake
- Iron Horse Trail Lake
- Burchard Lake Wma
- Pony Creek Boat Ramp
- Wirth Brothers
- Brownville Riverside City Park
Track Long Branch 41 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 Long Branch 41
Where does the data for Long Branch 41 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 Long Branch 41.