Worth Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Foster Dam Sundell Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Worth Dam, located in Keya Paha, Nebraska, is a private dam designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the TR-LOST CREEK.
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Summary
Completed in 1959, this earth dam stands at a height of 13.4 feet and has a storage capacity of 250.9 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 37.7 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is poor, as of the last inspection in September 2020.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Worth Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a vital infrastructure to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a drainage area of 4.43 square miles and a maximum discharge of 1475 cubic feet per second, Worth Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Although Worth Dam has a history of serving its intended purpose effectively, its poor condition assessment raises concerns about its long-term reliability and safety. With ongoing maintenance and potential upgrades, this essential piece of infrastructure can continue to safeguard the local community and environment from the impacts of extreme weather events and changing climate conditions. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Worth Dam represents a critical component of sustainable water management and resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
443 |
Dam Height |
13.4 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LOST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
13.4 |
Drainage Area |
4.43 |
Nid Storage |
250.9 |
Structural Height |
13.4 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
Niobrara River Near Sparks
|
1100cfs |
Long Pine Creek Near Riverview
|
191cfs |
Niobrara River At Mariaville
|
1700cfs |
Little White R Near Rosebud Sd
|
96cfs |
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.
Worth Dam