Heaton Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mirage Flats Dam 3 Mirage Flats Dam 2
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Heaton Dam, located in Valentine, Nebraska, along Box Butte Creek, is a state-owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1951, this earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet with a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a structural height of 16 feet. With a storage capacity of 292 acre-feet and a surface area of 24 acres, Heaton Dam serves the surrounding agricultural community by providing essential water resources for irrigation.
Managed and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Heaton Dam has been categorized as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment. The dam's inspection frequency is every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in June 2020. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in the region, contributing to the sustainable use of water resources for agricultural activities.
The dam, situated in Sheridan County, Nebraska, under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency, plays a crucial role in water resource management and supports the local economy by ensuring a reliable water supply for irrigation. With its strategic location and efficient design, Heaton Dam remains a key infrastructure for water storage and distribution in the area, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
334 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
BOX BUTTE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
24 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
197.3 |
Nid Storage |
292 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White R Nr Ne-Sd State Line
|
10cfs |
White R Near Oglala Sd
|
101cfs |
Horsehead Cr At Oelrichs Sd
|
0cfs |
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.
Heaton Dam