Kaupp East Irrigation Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kaupp Hereford Ranch 2 Kaupp Dam 4
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Niobrara, Nebraska, the Kaupp East Irrigation Dam stands as a testament to sustainable water resource management in the region.
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Summary
Built in 1961, this privately owned earth dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, providing essential water supply to the surrounding agricultural lands. With a height of 41 feet and a storage capacity of 181 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting the local farming community.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the Kaupp East Irrigation Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its poor condition assessment in 2016, the dam's hazard potential is classified as low, highlighting the ongoing efforts to monitor and maintain its functionality. With a drainage area of 1.3 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 1288 cubic feet per second, the dam remains a key infrastructure for water management in the area.
As climate change continues to impact water resources worldwide, the Kaupp East Irrigation Dam serves as a critical asset for sustainable water usage and conservation in Keya Paha County. With its strategic location on Wolf Creek, the dam not only facilitates irrigation but also contributes to flood control and water storage in the region. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience, the Kaupp East Irrigation Dam stands as a symbol of effective water infrastructure management in addressing the challenges of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
850 |
Dam Height |
41 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WOLF CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
36 |
Drainage Area |
1.3 |
Nid Storage |
181 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
41 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Niobrara River At Mariaville
|
1650cfs |
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
Long Pine Creek Near Riverview
|
191cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Niobrara River Near Sparks
|
969cfs |
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.
Kaupp East Irrigation Dam