Raasch Dam
Raasch Dam is an earth dam located in Madison County, Nebraska, built in 1977. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Raasch Dam
The primary purpose of Raasch Dam 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 City Of Norfolk (local government). It impounds the Tr-n Fk Elkhorn River near Norfolk.
The dam stands 35 feet tall and stretches 625 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 7 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 384 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1977, the structure is 49 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 08/20/2024.
At 35 feet, this dam is taller than 82% of dams nationwide.
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 | Madison |
| Nearest City | Norfolk |
| River/Stream | Tr-n Fk Elkhorn River |
| Coordinates | 42.06005, -97.43543 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 625 ft |
| Year Completed | 1977 (49 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 384 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 384 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 26 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,890 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | City of Norfolk |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/20/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NE01184 |
| Federal ID | NE01184 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |