Wellensiek Dam (Reconstructed) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Wellensiek Dam, located in Johnson County, Nebraska, is a vital water resource structure that serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

Originally constructed in 1959, the dam has since undergone reconstruction led by Twin Oaks Consulting and USDA NRCS designers, ensuring its continued functionality and reliability. The dam is primarily earth-filled with a maximum height of 32.1 feet and a storage capacity of 153.1 acre-feet, providing essential water management capabilities for the surrounding area.

Managed by a private entity, Wellensiek Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Situated along the TR-S FK Little Nemaha River, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating potential hazards in the region. Despite its poor condition assessment as of March 2020, ongoing maintenance and risk management measures are likely in place to address any concerns and uphold the dam's operational integrity for the benefit of the local community and ecosystem.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

26.7

River Or Stream

TR-S FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.8

Hydraulic Height

25.8

Drainage Area

1.66

Nid Storage

153.1

Structural Height

32.1

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.