Gruenewald Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Spatz Dam Bellwood 3-A
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Located in Butler County, Nebraska, the Gruenewald Dam is a private structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1973 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 20 feet high and stretches 465 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 166 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.8 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2016 was marked as poor, signaling a need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks along the TR-Wilson Creek.
Operated by the private owner, Gruenewald Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement all in place. The dam's location in the Kansas City District and its association with the Natural Resources Conservation Service highlight its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 898 cubic feet per second and an emergency action plan yet to be prepared, stakeholders and authorities must work together to address the dam's condition and enhance its risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and environment from potential flood events.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
465 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WILSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
0.8 |
Nid Storage |
166 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Clear Cr 1.75mi W Of Polk Co Line
|
17cfs |
Platte River Near Duncan
|
243cfs |
Shell Creek Near Columbus
|
87cfs |
Prairie Creek Nr Silver Creek Nebr
|
6cfs |
Silver Cr
|
5cfs |
Loup River Near Genoa
|
1570cfs |
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.
Gruenewald Dam