Wedgewood Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wedgewood Lake Dam, located in Lancaster, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1961 by HAROLD HOSKINS & ASSOC, this dam stands at a height of 17.16 feet with a structural height of 23.26 feet and a length of 995 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 309.5 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 21.7 acres, making it an important water resource for the area.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Wedgewood Lake Dam is subject to regular inspections, with the last assessment in August 2020 revealing a fair condition assessment and a high hazard potential. The dam is designed to withstand a maximum discharge of 3961 cubic feet per second and is located on Dead Mans Run. While the dam is currently in fair condition, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are crucial to ensure its continued safety and functionality for recreation and water management in the region.

In the event of an emergency, the dam does not currently have an Emergency Action Plan in place, highlighting the need for preparedness measures to be implemented. With its significant storage capacity and importance for recreation, ensuring the safety and structural integrity of Wedgewood Lake Dam is essential for both water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

995

Dam Height

17.16

River Or Stream

DEAD MANS RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

21.7

Hydraulic Height

17.16

Drainage Area

1.16

Nid Storage

309.5

Structural Height

23.26

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.