Dondlinger Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wiedel Dam 8672 Hintz Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Dondlinger Dam, located in Fairbury, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the Little Blue River. With a storage capacity of 154 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.7 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating potential flooding in the region.
Despite its low hazard potential, Dondlinger Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition as of April 2017. The dam's inspection frequency is set at every 5 years, with the last inspection date recorded in April 2017. While emergency action plans and risk assessments are yet to be fully detailed, the dam continues to be monitored and maintained to ensure its structural integrity and effectiveness in flood control. As a key infrastructure in Thayer County, Nebraska, Dondlinger Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners and regulatory agencies in safeguarding water resources and communities against potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
785 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
154 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Dondlinger Dam