Vonasek Dam 498 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Vonasek Dam 498, located in Knox County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
Completed in 1953, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a hydraulic height of 26 feet, providing a storage capacity of 131 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2016 was deemed poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its long-term functionality.
Situated on Soldier Creek, Vonasek Dam 498 plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1400 cubic feet per second. The dam covers a surface area of 9 acres and serves a drainage area of 2.6 square miles. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, regular inspections by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources ensure compliance with state regulations and enforcement measures to guarantee public safety and environmental protection.
As a vital water resource infrastructure in the area, Vonasek Dam 498 underscores the importance of proactive maintenance and risk management to sustain its functionality and safety. With its location in a private setting and reliance on the expertise of the USDA NRCS, ongoing efforts to address the dam's poor condition assessment and enhance its resilience to climate impacts are essential for the continued success of irrigation activities and water management in the region.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
310 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
SOLDIER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
2.6 |
Nid Storage |
131 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Niobrara River Nr. Verdel
|
517cfs |
Verdigre C Nr Verdigre
|
206cfs |
Ponca Creek At Verdel
|
23cfs |
Bazile Creek Near Niobrara
|
192cfs |
Bazile Creek At Center
|
85cfs |
Elkhorn River At Ewing
|
89cfs |
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.
Vonasek Dam 498