Dowell Dam

TR-N FK BIG NEMAHA RIVER· Richardson, Nebraska· Built 1998· Earth· 22 ft tall
Low Hazard Other Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Dowell Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1998 and is 28 years old. Its primary use is other.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 35.8% in NE)
Dam Length284 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage190 acre-ft
Normal Storage3 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge209 cfs
Year Completed1998 (28 years old)
NID IDNE02520

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 11, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Nemaha Natural Resources District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Dowell Dam?

Dowell Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Dowell Dam?

Dowell Dam is owned by Nemaha Natural Resources District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Dowell Dam built?

Dowell Dam was completed in 1998, making it 28 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Dowell Dam?

Dowell Dam serves the following purposes: Other, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Dowell Dam?

Dowell Dam has a dam height of 22 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Dowell Dam last inspected?

Dowell Dam was last inspected on May 11, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.