Elsner Dam 2 dam
Elsner Dam 2
Elsner Dam 2, located in Lancaster, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation. Built in 1969, this Earth dam stands at a height of 20.1 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 158.4 acre-feet. The dam spans 550 feet in length and is situated on the TR-Haines Branch of Salt Creek, offering a surface area of 12.5 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Despite its recreational value, Elsner Dam 2 poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of September 2020. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, which regulates, inspects, and enforces safety measures to ensure the structure's integrity. While the dam's last inspection indicated a need for improvement, it remains a popular spot for activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking, attracting visitors from the surrounding area.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the ecological significance of dams like Elsner Dam 2, it is crucial to consider the maintenance and safety protocols in place. With a history dating back over five decades, this Earth dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human recreation and environmental stewardship in managing water resources. By staying informed about the condition and regulatory oversight of such structures, individuals can appreciate the beauty of these man-made features while prioritizing safety and sustainability for future generations.
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 Elsner Dam 2 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Big Blue River Near Crete | 162 cfs | → |
| Haines Branch At Sw 56th St. At Lincoln | 11 cfs | → |
| Salt Creek At Roca | 5 cfs | → |
| Middle Creek At Sw 40th St. At Lincoln | 1 cfs | → |
| Salt Creek At Pioneers Blvd At Lincoln | 9 cfs | → |
| Oak Creek At Air Park Rd At Lincoln | 23 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Elsner Dam 2.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
Track Elsner Dam 2 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 Elsner Dam 2
Where does the data for Elsner Dam 2 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 Significant 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 Elsner Dam 2.