Wildhorse 14-a
Wildhorse 14-a is an earth dam located in Morrill County, Nebraska, built in 1968. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Wildhorse 14-a
The primary purpose of Wildhorse 14-a is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Farmers Irrigation District (local government). It impounds the W Wildhorse Creek near Bayard.
The dam stands 45 feet tall and stretches 1,810 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 60 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,909 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6 square miles. Completed in 1968, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/03/2024.
At 45 feet, this dam is taller than 91% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Nebraska dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Nebraska |
| County | Morrill |
| Nearest City | Bayard |
| River/Stream | W Wildhorse Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.82021, -103.33970 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,810 ft |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,909 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,909 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 16 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 60 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 16,000 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Farmers Irrigation District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/03/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NE00651 |
| Federal ID | NE00651 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |