Witte Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kleckner Dam Ten Bensel Dam 3484
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Witte Dam, located in Furnas, Nebraska, along the TR-Republican River, was completed in 1960 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
This privately-owned earth dam stands at a height of 19.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 131.6 acre-feet, serving as a crucial structure in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential inundation. Despite its poor condition assessment in 2015, the dam's hazard potential is considered low, providing some reassurance to local residents and water resource management officials.
Maintained and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Witte Dam is subject to state jurisdiction and permitting, with regular inspections conducted to ensure its structural integrity. The dam's design, primarily composed of stone and soil foundations, spans 300 feet in length and plays a vital role in managing the flow of the Republican River. While the dam's emergency action plan and risk assessment details are not readily available, its presence serves as a critical component in the overall water resource management strategy for the region.
As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources, Witte Dam stands as a testament to the proactive measures taken to mitigate flood risks in the area. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, this earth dam not only provides flood protection but also contributes to the overall water management efforts in Furnas County, Nebraska. As discussions surrounding infrastructure resilience and climate adaptation grow, Witte Dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the intersection of engineering, environment, and public safety.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
19.6 |
River Or Stream |
TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
19.6 |
Drainage Area |
2.4 |
Nid Storage |
131.6 |
Structural Height |
19.6 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Witte Dam