Lake Wanahoo Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Chapek Dam Cottonwood Creek 8-D
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lake Wanahoo Dam, located in Saunders, Nebraska, is a captivating water resource that serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 2010 by Olsson Associates, this earth dam stands at a height of 53 feet and has a structural height of 59 feet. With a storage capacity of 27,356 acre-feet and a surface area of 662 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Lake Wanahoo Dam is a significant infrastructure designed to protect the surrounding areas from potential flooding events. With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. In case of emergencies, the dam is equipped with emergency action plans, although details on their preparation and guidelines adherence are not specified.
Situated along Sand Creek and serving as a vital asset for the community of Wahoo, Lake Wanahoo Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With its strategic design and operational capabilities, this dam continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding the region against potential water-related risks, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
2010 |
Dam Length |
4800 |
Dam Height |
53 |
River Or Stream |
SAND CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
662 |
Hydraulic Height |
52 |
Drainage Area |
87 |
Nid Storage |
27356 |
Structural Height |
59 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
59 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wahoo Creek At Ithaca
|
53cfs |
Platte River Nr Leshara
|
5270cfs |
Rock Creek Near Ceresco
|
14cfs |
Platte River At North Bend
|
4920cfs |
Elkhorn River At Waterloo
|
1120cfs |
Wahoo Cr At Ashland
|
78cfs |
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 Wanahoo Dam