Bauer Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bauer Dam, located in Dawes, Nebraska, was completed in 1950 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

Owned privately and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet with a hydraulic height of 22 feet and a structural height of 25 feet. With a storage capacity of 176.5 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 15.1 acres and drains a 1.6 square mile watershed.

Managed by the USDA NRCS, Bauer Dam is designed to withstand low hazard potential and is currently in fair condition as of its last assessment in August 2019. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 96.2 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 932 cubic feet per second. Positioned on Lone Tree Creek, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, providing essential water supply for various agricultural and environmental needs. Despite its age, Bauer Dam continues to operate effectively and efficiently, ensuring the sustainability of water resources in the area for years to come.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

525

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TR-LONE TREE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15.1

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

176.5

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.