Dewispelare Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Dewispelare Dam, located in Butler, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a state-regulated status under the oversight of the NE DNR.


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Summary

Completed in 1980, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans 680 feet in length, providing flood risk reduction and other purposes for the region. With a storage capacity of 118 acre-feet and a low hazard potential, the dam has a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2017.

Situated on TR-BONE CREEK, Dewispelare Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a drainage area of 0.4 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 882 cubic feet per second. The dam's primary purpose, alongside flood risk reduction, is to support other water-related activities in the region. Despite its low hazard potential, regular inspections and state enforcement ensure the dam's structural integrity and safety for the surrounding community.

As one of the key structures in the region, Dewispelare Dam is a significant contributor to water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With its efficient design and satisfactory condition, the dam serves as a vital asset in mitigating flood risk and supporting various water-related activities in Butler, Nebraska. The collaboration between private ownership, state regulation, and federal design underscores the importance of effective water infrastructure for sustainable development and climate adaptation in the area.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

680

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TR-BONE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

118

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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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.