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.

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

Current assumption is for continued evaluation of alternatives, including modeling of alternatives, through 2026, final design and contractor selection in 2027, and construction from 2027 to 2029. 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 $200 million. Cost estimates are preliminary and subject to change.