Fenske Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Fenske Dam, located in Lodgepole, Nebraska, along TR-Lodgepole Creek, was completed in 1964 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
This privately-owned earth dam stands at a height of 16.6 feet and has a NID storage capacity of 90.6 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 25.1 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.02 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in October 2017.
Maintained by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Fenske Dam has a structural height and hydraulic height of 16.6 feet, extending over a length of 905 feet and covering a surface area of 6.2 acres. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is recorded at 483 cubic feet per second, serving as a crucial structure in mitigating flood risks in the Cheyenne County region. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its operations and enforcement are overseen by the state regulatory agency, ensuring its continued functionality in safeguarding the surrounding community and environment.
With its strategic location and contribution to flood risk reduction efforts, Fenske Dam remains a vital infrastructure in the region's water resource management system. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and assess the dam's condition, its role in protecting the local ecosystem and communities from potential flooding events underscores the importance of proactive maintenance and regulatory oversight in ensuring its long-term effectiveness.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
905 |
Dam Height |
16.6 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LODGEPOLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
16.6 |
Drainage Area |
1.02 |
Nid Storage |
90.6 |
Structural Height |
16.6 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Platte River Near Crook
|
166cfs |
S. Platte R. At Julesburg
|
-999cfs |
Lodgepole Creek At Bushnell
|
2cfs |
South Platte River At Roscoe Nebr
|
213cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Fenske Dam