Studebaker Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Studebaker Dam, located in Lancaster, Nebraska, was completed in 1993 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction along the TR-Little Salt Creek.


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Summary

This private dam, with a height of 26 feet and a length of 273 feet, plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. With a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, Studebaker Dam helps regulate water flow and mitigate potential flooding events.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Studebaker Dam is designed primarily for flood control but also serves other purposes, contributing to the overall water resource management efforts in the region. The dam's fair condition assessment and low hazard potential indicate its reliability in safeguarding the surrounding communities from potential risks. With its strategic location and efficient design, Studebaker Dam stands as a testament to effective collaboration between private owners and governmental agencies in ensuring water resource sustainability and climate resilience in the area.

As part of the Kansas City District, Studebaker Dam underscores the importance of maintaining infrastructure for water resource management in Nebraska. With its stone core and earth dam type, the structure reflects a blend of traditional engineering practices and modern technologies to address the evolving challenges posed by climate change. By upholding state regulations and undergoing regular inspections, Studebaker Dam exemplifies a proactive approach towards ensuring the safety and efficiency of water resource infrastructure for the benefit of the local community and ecosystem.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

273

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.