Upper Big Nemaha 6-a

About Upper Big Nemaha 6-a

The primary purpose of Upper Big Nemaha 6-a 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 Tr-mid Br Big Nemaha River near Sterling.

The dam stands 43 feet tall and stretches 922 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 22 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 633 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1978, the structure is 48 years old.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 11/09/2021.

At 43 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.

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