Pawnee Dam
Key Takeaway
Pawnee Dam is classified as high hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Length | 5,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 38.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 737 acres |
| Drainage Area | 36 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 19,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | NE01057 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
USACE - Omaha District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
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Low Hazard 21 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Pawnee Dam?
Pawnee Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Pawnee Dam?
Pawnee Dam is owned by USACE - Omaha District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Pawnee Dam built?
Pawnee Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Pawnee Dam?
Pawnee Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Pawnee Dam last inspected?
Pawnee Dam was last inspected on June 28, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.