Harper Dam

TR-PLUM CREEK· Lincoln, Nebraska· Built 1936· Earth· 13 ft tall
Low Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Private

Key Takeaway

Harper Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 5.4% in NE)
Dam Length443 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage165 acre-ft
Normal Storage44 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge725 cfs
Year Completed1936 (90 years old)
NID IDNE01186

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: October 3, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

GB Land & Cattle Inc

Private

Nearby Dams

Farnam Dam

Dawson, NE

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Fisher Dam 4067

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Low Hazard 16 ft

Wintermute Dam

Frontier, NE

Low Hazard 17 ft

Hi-Gain Feedlot Lagoon 3 Dam

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Low Hazard 28 ft

Mitchell Creek Farms Dam

Frontier, NE

Low Hazard 22 ft

Young Dam

Dawson, NE

Low Hazard 15 ft

Walther Dam

Frontier, NE

Low Hazard 19 ft

Wiggins Dam

Dawson, NE

Low Hazard 16 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Harper Dam?

Harper 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 Harper Dam?

Harper Dam is owned by GB Land & Cattle Inc (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Harper Dam built?

Harper Dam was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Harper Dam?

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

How tall is Harper Dam?

Harper Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Harper Dam last inspected?

Harper Dam was last inspected on October 3, 2017. 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.