Spatz Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gruenewald Dam Bellwood 3-C
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Spatz Dam, located in Butler, Nebraska, along the TR-Wilson Creek, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1980 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 15.2 meters and a length of 225 meters, the dam provides a maximum storage capacity of 112.9 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 42.6 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 was reported as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and improvement.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Spatz Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. With a drainage area of 1.89 square kilometers and a surface area of 10.4 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and reducing flood risks in the region. Although there have been no reported modifications or major incidents at the dam, its condition assessment highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term functionality and safety for the community and environment.
Congressional District 01, Nebraska, represented by Jeff Fortenberry, oversees Spatz Dam's operations and regulatory compliance within the state. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to stay informed about the condition and management of critical infrastructure like Spatz Dam to support sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. By understanding the dam's characteristics, purpose, and regulatory oversight, enthusiasts can actively engage in discussions and initiatives to promote the safety and sustainability of water resources in Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
225 |
Dam Height |
15.2 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WILSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
15.2 |
Drainage Area |
1.89 |
Nid Storage |
112.9 |
Structural Height |
15.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Clear Cr 1.75mi W Of Polk Co Line
|
16cfs |
Platte River Near Duncan
|
243cfs |
Shell Creek Near Columbus
|
87cfs |
Prairie Creek Nr Silver Creek Nebr
|
6cfs |
Silver Cr
|
4cfs |
Loup River Near Genoa
|
1320cfs |
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.
Spatz Dam