Sarpy County Hazard Analysis

Dam Failure

A break in, or imposed threat from, any water retention fixture which may endanger population downstream of the containment area. Flooding, operating error, poor construction, lack of maintenance, vandalism, terrorism, and earthquakes can cause dam failure.

History - Rating: Medium

There have been no dam failures in Sarpy County. There have been three dike failures which have caused moderate damage.

Vulnerability - Rating: Medium

Wehrspann Lake (Dam Site #20) is located in north central Sarpy County. Walnut Creek Lake and Recreation Area (Dam Site 21) is under construction southwest of Papillion. Relatively dense population centers are downstream from the dam. With increases in population, a dam failure becomes a significantly larger hazard.

Maximum Threat - Rating: High

A worst case scenario would be a complete failure of Papillion of either Dam Site #20 or #21. Approximately 40 homes lie directly below the dam. The City of Papillion is in the inundation path of both.

Probability - Rating: Low

Only four dike failures have occurred in Sarpy County in recent history. With new technology and design, dike and dam failure have lower probabilities of occurrence.

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Revised June 8, 1998

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