Upper Big Nemaha 1-b41

Upper Big Nemaha 1-b41 is an earth dam located in Johnson County, Nebraska, built in 1982. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Upper Big Nemaha 1-b41

The primary purpose of Upper Big Nemaha 1-b41 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-big Nemaha River near Sterling.

The dam stands 46 feet tall and stretches 1,416 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 40 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 893 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 1982, the structure is 44 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 05/05/2022.

At 46 feet, this dam is taller than 91% of dams nationwide.

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Significant HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Not Required

Location

StateNebraska
CountyJohnson
Nearest CitySterling
River/StreamTr-big Nemaha River
Coordinates40.49697, -96.37101

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height46 ft
Dam Height43 ft
Dam Length1,416 ft
Year Completed1982 (44 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage893 acre-ft
Max Storage893 acre-ft
Normal Storage259 acre-ft
Surface Area40 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge569 cfs

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerNemaha Natural Resources District
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection05/05/2022
Emergency Action PlanNot Required

Identifiers

NID IDNE02146
Federal IDNE02146
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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