Upper Big Nemaha 7-A

TR-MID BR BIG NEMAHA RIVER· Gage, Nebraska· Built 1970· Earth· 37 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Big Nemaha 7-A is classified as high hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 37 ft (taller than 86.1% in NE)
Dam Length843 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage908 acre-ft
Normal Storage129 acre-ft
Surface Area24 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge6,150 cfs
Year Completed1970 (56 years old)
NID IDNE00993

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 27, 2023
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 Upper Big Nemaha 7-A?

Upper Big Nemaha 7-A is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Upper Big Nemaha 7-A?

Upper Big Nemaha 7-A is owned by Nemaha Natural Resources District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Big Nemaha 7-A built?

Upper Big Nemaha 7-A was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Upper Big Nemaha 7-A?

Upper Big Nemaha 7-A 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 Upper Big Nemaha 7-A?

Upper Big Nemaha 7-A has a dam height of 37 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 Upper Big Nemaha 7-A last inspected?

Upper Big Nemaha 7-A was last inspected on June 27, 2023. 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.