Spencer Dam 1496 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Spencer Dam 1496 is a privately owned earth dam located in Red Willow, Nebraska, along the TR-Republican River.


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Summary

Built in 1955, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. Standing at a height of 18 feet with a length of 315 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet and a drainage area of 7 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Spencer Dam 1496 is currently in poor condition, as assessed in December 2016. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in December 2016. The dam has a history of modifications but lacks an emergency action plan and adequate risk assessment measures.

Located within Congressional District 03 of Nebraska, Spencer Dam 1496 is overseen by the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With a maximum discharge capacity of 670 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. As a key infrastructure for water management and conservation, ensuring the proper maintenance and safety of Spencer Dam 1496 is essential for protecting downstream communities and the surrounding ecosystem.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

315

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

7

Nid Storage

98

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.