Pine Canyon Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Pine Canyon Dam, located in Brown County, Nebraska, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.


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Summary

Completed in 1910, this concrete dam boasts a height of 35 feet and a length of 147 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 260 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this structure is for recreation, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities in the Plum Creek watershed.

Managed by a private owner, Pine Canyon Dam is regulated and inspected by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its age, the dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition. With a drainage area of 200 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 180 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Situated in a picturesque location along Plum Creek, Pine Canyon Dam not only serves as a practical water management structure but also as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife enthusiasts. With its multi-arch design and soil foundation, the dam stands as a historic landmark in the region, offering a glimpse into the engineering practices of the past while continuing to provide essential services for the present and future.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

147

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

PLUM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

42

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

200

Nid Storage

260

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.