Dodd Mcdowell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Dodd Mcdowell Dam, located in Dawes, Nebraska, is a private irrigation dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1993.


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Summary

The dam stands at 16 feet high with a length of 827 feet, serving the primary purpose of providing water for irrigation. With a normal storage capacity of 41 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 104 acre-feet, this earth dam on Little Cottonwood Creek plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Owned by a private entity, Dodd Mcdowell Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2016. With a maximum discharge capacity of 210 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped to handle potential flood events while also supporting agricultural activities in the area.

Located in the Omaha District, Dodd Mcdowell Dam is a vital infrastructure contributing to the water management efforts in Nebraska. With its efficient design and satisfactory condition, the dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in the face of changing climate conditions. As a key player in the irrigation landscape, this dam stands as a testament to the collaboration between private owners, regulatory agencies, and design entities in ensuring water security for the region.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

827

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

LITTLE COTTONWOOD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

104

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.