Sponheinmer Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Snyder Dam 506 Ash Hollow Dry Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Sponheinmer Dam, located in Lancaster, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
Completed in 1968, this earth dam stands at 19 feet high and spans 844 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet, the dam serves as a picturesque spot for outdoor activities in the area, offering a surface area of 10 acres and a drainage area of 0.2 square miles.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Sponheinmer Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in March 2020. With a designated inspection frequency of every 5 years, the dam remains a key feature in the local landscape, providing both recreational opportunities and essential water resource management for the region.
As part of the Kansas City District, Sponheinmer Dam contributes to the overall water management strategies in Nebraska, aligning with state jurisdiction and permitting requirements. While the dam has not undergone significant modifications or emergency preparedness assessments recently, its presence on TR-Salt Creek highlights its importance in the local ecosystem and its role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring a sustainable water supply for the surrounding communities.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
844 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SALT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rock Creek Near Ceresco
|
14cfs |
Salt Creek At 70th St. At Lincoln
|
92cfs |
Salt Creek At Greenwood
|
125cfs |
Little Salt Creek Near Lincoln
|
2cfs |
Stevens Creek Nr. Lincoln
|
3cfs |
Salt Creek At Lincoln
|
71cfs |
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.
Sponheinmer Dam