Lonergan Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Lonergan Dam, located in Omaha, Nebraska, along the TR-Little Papio Creek, stands as a vital water resource and recreational hub in Douglas County.


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Summary

Built in 1968, this earth-type dam boasts a height of 72 feet and a length of 1320 feet, providing essential storage of 2623 acre-feet for leisure activities and flood control. Managed by a private entity, Lonergan Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state standards.

With a hazard potential classified as high, Lonergan Dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with the last inspection taking place in June 2020. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in June 2018, highlighting the importance of preparedness and risk management for this critical infrastructure. As a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, the reservoir created by Lonergan Dam covers a surface area of 120 acres, offering a picturesque setting for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities.

Overall, Lonergan Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. Its role in providing both recreational opportunities and flood protection underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of the surrounding community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, Lonergan Dam serves as a reminder of the essential role dams play in sustainable water management and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

1320

Dam Height

72

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE PAPIO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

120

Hydraulic Height

69

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

2623

Structural Height

75

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

75
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.