Kingsley Dam Refacing Project

Kingsley Dam facing

A major upcoming project for the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District is the refacing of Kingsley Dam. Throughout the process, the District wants to keep the public informed of what is happening.  Below are some basic facts about Kingsley Dam and Lake McConaughy and some frequently asked questions about the refacing project.


Kingsley Dam

  • Constructed from 1936 to 1941
  • Zoned Hydraulic-Fill Construction
  • 3.1 miles long
  • 163 feet high

Lake McConaughy

  • 22 miles long
  • 30,500 surface acres
  • 1.7 million acre-feet storage
  • Water used for irrigation, hydropower, recreation, instream flows, cooling water and underground storage (recharge)
  • Storage appropriations ("water rights") held by Central (CNPPID), Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and others

What is the Project?

Project Objective

The existing riprap facing will be replaced with a new facing system engineered to meet today's standards.

Below is the latest update that was given to the Board of Directors at their February Board Meeting

Presentation to CNPPID Board in Feb. 2026

Why Refacing of Kingsley Dam is Needed

Why is the refacing needed?

Investigations following damage in the 2021-22 season determined that the current riprap erosion protection is inadequate. The issue is not confined to the damaged areas, but rather is systemic on most of the upstream face of the dam.

What Options are Being Evaluated?

Refacing Options

Central's dam consultants are evaluating both riprap and non-riprap alternatives (concrete-faced soil cement, roller compacted concrete, pile walls and wave breaks, etc.). Final selection will be dependent on the outcome of these evaluations and value engineering performed in consultation with the selected contractor.

What Area is Being Replaced?

Extent of the Replacement

Replacement would be nearly the entire length of the dam, from the crest down to the approximately elevation 3225 feet msl. The area to be replaced is the equivalent of 30+ football fields.

What is the Timeline of the Project?

Anticipated Timeline

An updated estimate of the schedule for the project is for continued computer and physical modeling of non-riprap alternatives from February 2026 through Summer 2027. The development of final alternatives for consideration would conclude by the end of 2027. Final design and contractor selection would take place in 2028 followed by regulatory approval which could take over a year. Projected start of construction is Spring 2029.

(This update was given at the February 2026 Board Meeting). Timeline is tentative and subject to change.

What is the Cost of the Project?

Cost Estimates

The current estimated cost for the refacing project is approximately $100 million to $250 million. Cost estimates are preliminary and subject to change.

What is the current status update?

Status Update

Completed  

  • Cause Investigation
  • Preliminary Alternatives Evaluation and Screening
  • Data Collection
  • Selection of Board of Consultants

In-Progress

Currently in progress is refined wind analysis and extreme wind-wave modeling

Who are all the parties involved?

Parties Involved

  • RJH Consultants, Inc.
  • U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
  • Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment
  • Independent Board of Consultants
  • CNPPID Board Special Projects Committee