Benson Dam dam
Benson Dam
Benson Dam, located in Valentine, Nebraska, stands as a crucial water resource structure for the area. Built in 1960, this private-owned dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. The dam, made of earth with a stone core and soil foundation, has a height of 13.2 feet and a length of 335 feet, offering a normal storage capacity of 46.2 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 76 acre-feet.
With its low hazard potential and state regulation by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Benson Dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in Cherry County. Situated on the TR-DRY CREEK, the dam helps control water flow, provides irrigation, and supports local wildlife. Despite being not rated for its current condition, the dam undergoes regular inspections and is monitored for any necessary maintenance or improvements to ensure its continued functionality and safety.
As an essential structure in the region, Benson Dam contributes to the overall water management and climate resilience efforts in Nebraska. Its presence not only supports agricultural activities and wildlife preservation but also enhances fire protection measures in the area. With its historical significance and ongoing role in water resource management, Benson Dam remains a key feature in the local landscape, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water infrastructure for the community and the environment.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Benson Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Niobrara River Near Sparks | 631 cfs | → |
| Little White R Near Rosebud Sd | 133 cfs | → |
| Little White R Near Vetal Sd | 40 cfs | → |
| Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd | 24 cfs | → |
| Lake Cr Below Refuge Near Tuthill Sd | 0 cfs | → |
| Little White R Below White River Sd | 117 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Benson Dam.
Boat launches
- Valentine Mill Pond
- Berry Bridge Road Cherry County
- Big Alkali Wma
- Main Ramp
- Powderhorn
- Niobrara Canoe Launch
Track Benson Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Benson Dam
Where does the data for Benson Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Benson Dam.