Memphis Dam

SILVER CREEK· Saunders, Nebraska· Built 1897· Earth· 12 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Memphis Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1897 and is 129 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 3.5% in NE)
Dam Length4,500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage289 acre-ft
Normal Storage200 acre-ft
Surface Area88 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge81 cfs
Year Completed1897 (129 years old)
NID IDNE00252

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: June 12, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Memphis Dam?

Memphis 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 Memphis Dam?

Memphis Dam is owned by Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Memphis Dam built?

Memphis Dam was completed in 1897, making it 129 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 Memphis Dam?

Memphis 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 Memphis Dam?

Memphis Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Memphis Dam last inspected?

Memphis Dam was last inspected on June 12, 2019. 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.