Wenger Lease Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Wenger Lease Dam, located in Niobrara, Nebraska, along the Keya Paha River, was completed in 1981 for the primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a length of 540 feet, providing a storage capacity of 92 acre-feet. The dam is owned and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety for the surrounding community.
With a low hazard potential and not yet rated for condition assessment, Wenger Lease Dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region. Its location in Keya Paha County and proximity to the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers underscores its significance in water resource management. Despite its relatively small surface area of 8 acres and drainage area of 0.8 square miles, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 260 cubic feet per second, demonstrating its ability to manage water flow efficiently during periods of high demand or flooding.
As an essential infrastructure for irrigation in Nebraska, Wenger Lease Dam highlights the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. The dam's role in enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting the local economy underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring such critical infrastructure. With its state jurisdiction and regular inspections, Wenger Lease Dam exemplifies the proactive approach taken by the Nebraska DNR in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-KEYA PAHA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
0.8 |
Nid Storage |
92 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
Niobrara River At Mariaville
|
1650cfs |
Long Pine Creek Near Riverview
|
191cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
Niobrara River Near Sparks
|
969cfs |
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.
Wenger Lease Dam