Long Branch 21
Long Branch 21 is an earth dam located in Richardson County, Nebraska, built in 1986. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Long Branch 21
The primary purpose of Long Branch 21 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Nemaha Natural Resources District (local government). It impounds the Kirkham Creek near Humboldt.
The dam stands 69 feet tall and stretches 1,870 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 155 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,841 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 9 square miles. Completed in 1986, the structure is 40 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/16/2024.
At 69 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Nebraska dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Nebraska |
| County | Richardson |
| Nearest City | Humboldt |
| River/Stream | Kirkham Creek |
| Coordinates | 40.18427, -95.98628 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 69 ft |
| Dam Height | 60 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,870 ft |
| Year Completed | 1986 (40 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,841 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,841 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,569 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 155 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 17,733 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Nemaha Natural Resources District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/16/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NE02216 |
| Federal ID | NE02216 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |