Huneke Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Huneke Dam, located in Saline County, Nebraska, was completed in 1967 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction along the Big Blue River.


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Summary

The dam, primarily made of earth and stone, stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 860 feet. With a storage capacity of 109 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.47 square miles, Huneke Dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting local communities from potential flooding events.

Despite its importance, Huneke Dam is currently rated as having a low hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2017. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam has not undergone any significant modifications in recent years, its emergency action plan and risk management measures are not clearly defined. With its location in a relatively flat and rural area, Huneke Dam remains a key infrastructure for water resource management in the region.

As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Huneke Dam become even more critical. Ensuring the structural integrity and functionality of Huneke Dam is essential not only for flood risk reduction but also for safeguarding the surrounding environment and communities against potential disasters. Collaborative efforts between private owners, regulatory agencies, and the local community are essential to address the current poor condition assessment and improve the overall resilience of Huneke Dam in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

860

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TR-BIG BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.47

Nid Storage

109

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.