Middle Big Nemaha 96
Middle Big Nemaha 96 is an earth dam located in Johnson County, Nebraska, built in 1991. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Middle Big Nemaha 96
The primary purpose of Middle Big Nemaha 96 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 Town Branch near Tecumseh.
The dam stands 60 feet tall and stretches 1,122 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 18 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,452 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 1991, the structure is 35 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 05/30/2024.
At 60 feet, this dam is taller than 95% 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 | Johnson |
| Nearest City | Tecumseh |
| River/Stream | Town Branch |
| Coordinates | 40.38591, -96.19126 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 60 ft |
| Dam Height | 51 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,122 ft |
| Year Completed | 1991 (35 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,452 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,452 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 81 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 18 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,913 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Nemaha Natural Resources District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/30/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NE02374 |
| Federal ID | NE02374 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |