Lewis Dam 681 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Twin Oaks Dam Sibert Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lewis Dam 681, located in Webster, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the NE DNR.
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Summary
Completed in 1959, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the W Penny Creek. With a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.5 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the region.
Despite its low hazard potential, Lewis Dam 681 undergoes regular inspections every five years, with the last assessment conducted in April 2018. The condition of the dam is currently rated as "Not Rated," indicating the need for further evaluation. While the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place, it meets state permitting and inspection requirements, ensuring its operational safety. With a maximum discharge capacity of 602 cubic feet per second, this essential infrastructure contributes to flood control efforts in the area.
Overall, Lewis Dam 681 stands as a vital component of water resource management in Webster, Nebraska, providing essential flood risk reduction capabilities along the W Penny Creek. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and water availability, the role of structures like Lewis Dam 681 becomes increasingly significant in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from potential water-related hazards. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts will be crucial in ensuring the continued effectiveness and safety of this essential infrastructure for years to come.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
262 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
W PENNY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
0.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
1.5 |
Nid Storage |
104 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Lewis Dam 681