Lightner Dam 3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lightner Dam 3, located in Knox, Nebraska along Soldier Creek, was completed in 1970 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
This private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 21.2 feet with a structural height of 26.2 feet, offering a storage capacity of 56.2 acre-feet. The dam has a fair condition assessment and a low hazard potential, reassuring the community of its safety and reliability.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Lightner Dam 3 is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure its continued compliance with safety standards. With a normal storage capacity of 24.6 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.84 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Despite its relatively small surface area of 4.5 acres, the dam has a maximum discharge capability of 497 cubic feet per second, contributing to the overall water supply and ecosystem health in the area.
As an essential component of the local water infrastructure, Lightner Dam 3 represents a key asset for agricultural irrigation and environmental sustainability in the region. With its strategic location and low-risk profile, the dam embodies a balance between water resource management and climate resilience, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of water storage and distribution systems.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
21.2 |
River Or Stream |
SOLDIER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
20.4 |
Drainage Area |
2.84 |
Nid Storage |
56.2 |
Structural Height |
26.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Niobrara River Nr. Verdel
|
517cfs |
Verdigre C Nr Verdigre
|
206cfs |
Ponca Creek At Verdel
|
23cfs |
Bazile Creek Near Niobrara
|
192cfs |
Bazile Creek At Center
|
85cfs |
Elkhorn River At Ewing
|
89cfs |
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.
Lightner Dam 3