Wagon Train Dam
Wagon Train Dam is an earth dam located in Lancaster County, Nebraska, built in 1963. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Wagon Train Dam
The primary purpose of Wagon Train Dam 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 Usace - Omaha District (federal). It impounds the Hickman Branch Salt Creek near Hickman.
The dam stands 45 feet tall and stretches 2,920 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 315 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 15,050 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 16 square miles. Completed in 1963, 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/05/2022.
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 | Lancaster |
| Nearest City | Hickman |
| River/Stream | Hickman Branch Salt Creek |
| Coordinates | 40.62038, -96.58356 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,920 ft |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 15,050 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 15,050 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,600 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 315 acres |
| Drainage Area | 16 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 23,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | USACE - Omaha District |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 05/05/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NE01056 |
| Federal ID | NE01056 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |