Van Housen Lagoon Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: G & F Enterprises Dam Bjerrum Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Van Housen Lagoon Dam, located in Stromsburg, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
Built in 1985, the earth dam stands at 15 feet in height and spans 250 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. The dam serves primarily for purposes other than flood control or water supply, with a normal storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles.
Designed by Settje Agri-Services & Engineering, the dam is constructed with a stone core and soil foundation, maintaining a satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in April 2018. It is situated on the TR-Big Blue River and falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite being a non-federal structure, the dam undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of dams will find Van Housen Lagoon Dam a fascinating case study. With its unique design features, regulatory oversight by the Nebraska DNR, and the involvement of private owners and engineering firms, this dam serves as a noteworthy example of water infrastructure in the region. The dam's history, construction details, and state-regulated operations offer valuable insights into the complexities of managing water resources in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIG BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
75 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Silver Cr
|
6cfs |
Prairie Creek Nr Silver Creek Nebr
|
4cfs |
Warm Slough Nr Central City
|
0cfs |
Platte River Near Duncan
|
243cfs |
Loup River Power Canal Near Genoa
|
17cfs |
Loup River Near Genoa
|
3030cfs |
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.
Van Housen Lagoon Dam