Witt Watton Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Taft Dam Lah Eickhoff Eqip Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Witt Watton Dam, located in Richardson County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
Completed in 1975, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and spans a length of 488 feet, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.7 square miles, the dam serves to control the flow of the TR-Temple Creek and mitigate potential hazards.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2016, Witt Watton Dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps preparation remain unknown, indicating a potential area for improvement in emergency preparedness. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure for climate resilience and flood control efforts.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Witt Watton Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and regulation. With its proximity to Falls City and the Kansas City District, the dam stands as a testament to the collaboration between private owners and state agencies in safeguarding communities against flooding risks. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of structures like Witt Watton Dam become increasingly vital in ensuring the safety and resilience of local ecosystems and populations.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
488 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR-TEMPLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Nemaha River At Falls City
|
310cfs |
Missouri River At Rulo
|
26600cfs |
Tarkio River At Fairfax Mo
|
55cfs |
North Fork Big Nemaha River At Humboldt
|
67cfs |
Little Nemaha River At Auburn
|
82cfs |
Nodaway River Near Graham
|
134cfs |
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.
Witt Watton Dam