Black Hill Basin Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Unick Road Dam Cat Creek Lagoon Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
The Black Hill Basin Dam in Nebraska is a key structure managed by the local government to address flood risk reduction along the TR-South Loup River.
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Summary
Constructed in 1974 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 44 feet and spans 2090 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 636 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its integrity.
Located in Custer County, Nebraska, the Black Hill Basin Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. With a drainage area of 4.6 square miles, the dam helps protect the surrounding community from potential flooding events while also serving other purposes such as water conservation and irrigation. Despite its modest size, the dam's impact on the local ecosystem and climate resilience is significant, highlighting the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in mitigating the effects of climate change.
As part of the broader network of dams and reservoirs in the area, the Black Hill Basin Dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between local and federal agencies in ensuring water security for the community. With a history of successful operations and a commitment to regular inspections and maintenance, this dam stands as a testament to the vital role that water resource management plays in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
2090 |
Dam Height |
44 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH LOUP RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
44 |
Drainage Area |
4.6 |
Nid Storage |
636 |
Structural Height |
48 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
48 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr
|
3cfs |
South Loup R At St. Michael
|
178cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
1500cfs |
Spring Creek Nr Overton
|
3cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1390cfs |
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.
Black Hill Basin Dam