Rains Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Rains Dam, located in Wymore, Nebraska, is a private-owned earth dam built in 1960 across TR-Bills Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The primary purpose of this structure is flood risk reduction, with a normal storage capacity of 14.2 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 58.9 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 17.5 feet and has a length of 490 feet, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Despite its low hazard potential, Rains Dam is currently in poor condition as of the last inspection in April 2017. The structure is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its compliance with state standards. With a drainage area of 0.93 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and safeguarding against potential risks associated with extreme weather events and climate change.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Rains Dam to be a key infrastructure in Gage County, Nebraska, providing flood risk reduction and essential water storage capacity. As efforts to address the poor condition of the dam continue, its significance in maintaining water security and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions remains paramount.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

490

Dam Height

17.5

River Or Stream

TR-BILLS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.4

Hydraulic Height

17.5

Drainage Area

0.93

Nid Storage

58.9

Structural Height

17.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.