Bish Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bish Dam, located in Hamilton County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1971, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a hydraulic height of 22 feet, providing flood risk reduction for the TR-W FK BIG BLUE RIVER. With a storage capacity of 177 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.8 square miles, Bish Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Bish Dam is subject to regular inspections every 5 years to ensure its safety and functionality. With a maximum discharge capacity of 256 cubic feet per second, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water management in the area. The surrounding area covers 10 acres, offering additional benefits such as recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat enhancement. Overall, Bish Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Nebraska.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bish Dam serves multiple purposes beyond flood risk reduction, contributing to the overall water management strategies in the region. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, this dam showcases the importance of collaboration between private owners, regulatory agencies, and design professionals in ensuring the sustainability and safety of water resources in Nebraska. With its strategic location and efficient design, Bish Dam continues to play a critical role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-W FK BIG BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

177

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.