Imperial Dam

FRENCHMAN RIVER· Chase, Nebraska· Built 1917· Earth· 21 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Imperial Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1917 and is 109 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 32.5% in NE)
Dam Length1,260 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage960 acre-ft
Normal Storage200 acre-ft
Surface Area40 acres
Drainage Area10 sq mi
Max Discharge3,500 cfs
Year Completed1917 (109 years old)
NID IDNE00709

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 6, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

City of Imperial

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Hoffmeister Dam

Chase, NE

Low Hazard 16 ft

Bauerle Winisher Lagoon Dam

Chase, NE

Low Hazard 20 ft

Bauerle Winisher Lagoon 2 Dam

Chase, NE

Low Hazard 11 ft

Champion Mill Dam

Chase, NE

Low Hazard 14 ft

Leibbrandt South Divide Lagoon Dam

Chase, NE

Low Hazard 19 ft

Enders Dike

Chase, NE

High Hazard 28 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Imperial Dam?

Imperial 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 Imperial Dam?

Imperial Dam is owned by City of Imperial (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Imperial Dam built?

Imperial Dam was completed in 1917, making it 109 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 Imperial Dam?

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

How tall is Imperial Dam?

Imperial Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Imperial Dam last inspected?

Imperial Dam was last inspected on October 6, 2021. 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.