O'Connor Dam 2 dam
O'Connor Dam 2
O'Connor Dam 2 is a privately owned structure located in Dawson, Nebraska, specifically in the city of Sumner. Completed in 1955, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 9 feet and stretches 144 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 71.9 acre-feet. Its primary purposes include flood risk reduction and other functions, making it a vital component in managing water resources in the area.
Despite its significant role, O'Connor Dam 2 is currently assessed with a poor condition, indicating the need for maintenance and potential improvements. With a low hazard potential, the dam poses minimal risk, but regular inspections are required to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates and inspects the dam, emphasizing the importance of state oversight in safeguarding water resources and infrastructure.
Water enthusiasts and climate advocates can appreciate O'Connor Dam 2 as part of the larger network of structures that contribute to water management and flood control in Nebraska. Its presence along the Wood River reflects the collaborative efforts between private owners, state agencies, and regulatory bodies to uphold safety standards and protect the surrounding communities. As discussions on climate change and water scarcity continue, the maintenance and modernization of dams like O'Connor Dam 2 will be essential in adapting to evolving environmental conditions and ensuring sustainable water resource management.
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 O'Connor Dam 2 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr | 24 cfs | → |
| Spring Creek Nr Overton | 4 cfs | → |
| Platte River Near Overton | 82 cfs | → |
| Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek | 7 cfs | → |
| Platte R Mid Ch | 76 cfs | → |
| Platte River Near Kearney | 20 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near O'Connor Dam 2.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Lexington City Park
- Muny Park
- Pressey State Wildlife Area
- Bob And Nancies
- Gallagher Canyon State Rec Area - Cozad
- Lafayette Park
Fishing spots
Track O'Connor Dam 2 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 O'Connor Dam 2
Where does the data for O'Connor Dam 2 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 O'Connor Dam 2.