Walther Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Walther Dam, located in Cambridge, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction on Mitchell Creek Canyon.
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Summary
Completed in 1971, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and spans 187 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. While its hazard potential is rated low, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to ensure its safety and functionality.
Despite its modest size, Walther Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1893 cubic feet per second. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it is equipped with a spillway system for managing excess water flow. Although its condition is currently not rated, regular inspections every 5 years help monitor its structural integrity and safety standards, indicating a commitment to maintaining the dam's effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and safeguarding the local community.
With its strategic location and functional design, Walther Dam stands as a testament to the importance of effective water resource management in addressing climate-related challenges. As a key component of the flood control infrastructure in Frontier County, Nebraska, this dam serves as a vital asset in protecting lives and properties from the impacts of extreme weather events, highlighting the critical role that such structures play in ensuring resilience and sustainability in the face of evolving climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
187 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
MITCHELL CREEK CANYON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
0.6 |
Nid Storage |
75 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Walther Dam