Knoerzer Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Knoerzer Dam, located in Gosper, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at 22 feet high and has a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Knoerzer Dam also serves other purposes such as water storage and management. The dam is situated along the TR-PLUM CREEK river and is part of the Kansas City District.

Despite its low hazard potential, Knoerzer Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. It covers a drainage area of 0.9 square miles and can discharge up to 160 cubic feet per second. The dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, with the last inspection conducted in April 2019. The structure has not been modified since its completion and does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Knoerzer Dam for its contribution to flood risk reduction and water storage in the area. As a privately owned structure with state regulatory oversight, the dam demonstrates the collaborative efforts between government agencies and private entities in managing water resources effectively. Its strategic location and design make it a vital component of the local hydraulic infrastructure, ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding communities.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TR-PLUM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

66

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.