Lake Helen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hiles Canyon Jensen
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lake Helen Dam, located in Gothenburg, Nebraska, stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity since its completion in 1891.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam, with a height of 27.2 feet and a hydraulic height of 26.8 feet, serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene oasis for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore. With a normal storage capacity of 138.2 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.4 square miles, the dam provides essential water management functions while also enhancing the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Lake Helen Dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition. Regular inspections ensure its structural integrity, with the last assessment conducted in August 2020. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a vital role in the community, offering a safe and enjoyable space for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. As climate change poses new challenges to water resource management, Lake Helen Dam remains a resilient and essential piece of infrastructure in the region.
As water resources become increasingly scarce and climate impacts intensify, the preservation and maintenance of dams like Lake Helen become paramount in ensuring water security and environmental sustainability. With a storage capacity of 566.4 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1159 cubic feet per second, this historic dam continues to provide valuable ecosystem services and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. Its role in flood control, water supply, and habitat conservation underscores the importance of proactive management and investment in our water infrastructure to adapt to a changing climate and safeguard our natural resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1891 |
Dam Length |
1520 |
Dam Height |
27.2 |
River Or Stream |
GOTHENBURG CANAL OFF PLATTE R |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
26.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
566.4 |
Structural Height |
27.2 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Platte River At North Platte
|
1290cfs |
Spring Creek Nr Overton
|
7cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1390cfs |
Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr
|
3cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
1280cfs |
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.
Lake Helen Dam
Lake Helen