Wes Clark Cat Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Wes Clark Cat Dam, located in Garden, Nebraska, is a fascinating structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1981.


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Summary

This local government-owned dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction on the TR-North Platte River. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 980 feet, this earth dam stands as a vital component in managing water resources in the region.

The dam has a storage capacity of 328 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.69 square miles, making it a key feature in water management in the area. Despite its high hazard potential, Wes Clark Cat Dam has a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection date in August 2020. With state regulation and enforcement by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, this structure plays a crucial role in ensuring water security and safety for the surrounding community.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the significance of Wes Clark Cat Dam in mitigating flood risks and managing water flow along the TR-North Platte River. As a critical piece of infrastructure with a high hazard potential, this earth dam maintains a satisfactory condition and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

980

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-NORTH PLATTE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

1.69

Nid Storage

328

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.
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