Spitsnogle Dam

TR-BIG INDIAN CREEK· Gage, Nebraska· Built 1975· Earth· 20 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Spitsnogle Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 28.5% in NE)
Dam Length645 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage75 acre-ft
Normal Storage38 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge217 cfs
Year Completed1975 (51 years old)
Year Modified2013
NID IDNE08560

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 25, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Earl Spitsnogle

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Spitsnogle Dam?

Spitsnogle Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Spitsnogle Dam?

Spitsnogle Dam is owned by Earl Spitsnogle (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Spitsnogle Dam built?

Spitsnogle Dam was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Spitsnogle Dam?

Spitsnogle Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Spitsnogle Dam?

Spitsnogle Dam has a dam height of 20 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Spitsnogle Dam last inspected?

Spitsnogle Dam was last inspected on April 25, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.