Knigge 9623 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Knigge 9623 Dam, located in Thayer, Nebraska, along the TR-Little Blue River, stands as a testament to modern engineering and water resource management.


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Summary

Completed in 2009, this private-owned Earth dam serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction, with a primary height of 22.6 feet and a storage capacity of 157.9 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 marked it as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its long-term functionality.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Knigge 9623 Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a drainage area of 1.1 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 50.3 acre-feet, this structure serves as a vital component in the region's water resource infrastructure. The dam's association with the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers underscores its significance in mitigating flood risks along the Little Blue River.

While Knigge 9623 Dam currently poses a low hazard potential, its poor condition assessment in 2017 raises concerns about its long-term sustainability. With regular inspections and potential maintenance efforts, this Earth dam can continue to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction effectively. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of well-maintained infrastructure like Knigge 9623 Dam cannot be overstated in ensuring the resilience of communities against natural disasters.

Year Completed

2009

Dam Length

515

Dam Height

22.6

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.7

Hydraulic Height

22.6

Drainage Area

1.1

Nid Storage

157.9

Structural Height

22.6

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.