Hirsch Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pigeon-Jones Creek 16 Cain Dam
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Hirsch Dam, located in Dakota County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1966, this earth dam stands at a height of 30.1 feet and has a length of 533 feet, with a storage capacity of 49.2 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2019 rated it as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential repairs to ensure its continued effectiveness in managing water resources along the TR-PIGEON CREEK DITCH.
Managed by the NE DNR, Hirsch Dam is regulated by the state of Nebraska and undergoes regular inspections to assess its structural integrity and operational efficiency. Its location within a drainage area of 0.75 square miles and its ability to discharge up to 591 cubic feet per second make it a critical component in mitigating flood risks in the region. Despite its current condition, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting surrounding communities and infrastructure from potential water-related disasters, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts to safeguard water resources and climate resilience in the area.
As a key feature in the flood risk reduction infrastructure, Hirsch Dam's significance lies in its contribution to water management and protection of downstream areas from potential inundation. With its historical construction and ongoing state regulation, the dam serves as a vital asset in the overall water resource management strategy in Nebraska. Its condition assessment provides valuable insights for stakeholders and decision-makers, highlighting the need for continued investment in maintenance and improvements to ensure the dam's long-term effectiveness in addressing water-related challenges in the region.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
533 |
Dam Height |
30.1 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PIGEON CREEK DITCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
30.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.75 |
Nid Storage |
49.2 |
Structural Height |
30.1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Omaha Cr At Homer
|
45cfs |
Missouri River At Sioux City
|
14400cfs |
South Omaha Creek At Walthill
|
11cfs |
Floyd River At James
|
187cfs |
Logan Creek At Wakefield
|
149cfs |
Perry Creek Near Milnerville
|
25cfs |
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.
Hirsch Dam
200th Street Dakota County