Thieszen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Preheim Lagoon Dam Friesen Dam 1673
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Thieszen Dam, located in McCool Junction, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska DNR.
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Summary
Completed in 1969, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 73 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Thieszen Dam also serves other important functions in the region.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements. The last inspection in June 2017 revealed areas that require attention to ensure the dam's safety and functionality. With a drainage area of 0.4 square miles and a maximum discharge of 199 cubic feet per second, Thieszen Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts should take note of Thieszen Dam as a significant infrastructure for flood risk reduction and water management in Hamilton County, Nebraska. The dam's location on the TR-W FK BIG BLUE RIVER, its association with the USDA NRCS, and its importance in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding make it a key feature in the region's water resource management system. As efforts continue to address the dam's poor condition, stakeholders and officials must prioritize its maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness and safety for the community.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
430 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-W FK BIG BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
73 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Thieszen Dam