Woltemath Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Woltemath Dam, located in Pawnee, Nebraska, along the TR-TURKEY CREEK, serves as an essential structure for flood risk reduction and other purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 2001, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet with a hydraulic height of 26 feet and a structural height of 31 feet. With a storage capacity of 145 acre-feet, the dam spans 605 feet in length and covers a surface area of 7 acres, providing crucial protection to the surrounding area.

Despite its importance, Woltemath Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition as of April 2017, with a low hazard potential. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in 2017. Even though the dam's condition is deemed to be poor, it remains a vital asset for flood risk reduction in the region, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its continued effectiveness and safety for the community it serves.

With its location in a Congressional District of Nebraska and under the jurisdiction of the state, Woltemath Dam plays a critical role in managing water resources in the area. As a key component of the local infrastructure, it is essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor its condition and support efforts to maintain and improve its functionality for the benefit of the community and the environment.

Year Completed

2001

Dam Length

605

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-TURKEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

145

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.