Farnik Dam dam
Farnik Dam
Farnik Dam, located in Niobrara, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska DNR. Built in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. The dam spans 215 feet in length and has a maximum discharge rate of 132 cubic feet per second, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area.
Despite its low hazard potential, Farnik Dam is currently rated as being in poor condition, as of the last inspection in April 2020. The dam has a drainage area of 0.6 square miles and a surface area of 9 acres, supporting the agricultural needs of the region. While the dam's structural integrity is a concern, it remains a crucial component of the local water management system, ensuring a reliable water supply for irrigation and other uses. With ongoing inspections and potential maintenance, Farnik Dam continues to play a vital role in sustaining water resources in Knox County, Nebraska.
As a key feature in the TR-Schindler Creek watershed, Farnik Dam contributes to the overall water management strategy in the area, benefiting from the oversight of both state and federal agencies. With a focus on irrigation and water storage, the dam plays a critical role in supporting agricultural activities and maintaining water security in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance and condition of Farnik Dam is essential for ensuring sustainable water management practices and the resilience of the local ecosystem.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Farnik Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Verdigre C Nr Verdigre | 206 cfs | → |
| Niobrara River Nr. Verdel | 2,410 cfs | → |
| Ponca Creek At Verdel | 10 cfs | → |
| Bazile Creek Near Niobrara | 56 cfs | → |
| Bazile Creek At Center | 44 cfs | → |
| Elkhorn River At Ewing | 62 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Farnik Dam.
Track Farnik Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Farnik Dam
Where does the data for Farnik Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Farnik Dam.