Whitney Dam 1 dam
Whitney Dam 1
Whitney Dam 1, located in Dawes, Nebraska, serves as a vital component in the irrigation infrastructure of the region. Completed in 1922, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet, with a hydraulic height of 17 feet, and a length of 3700 feet. Its primary purpose is irrigation, with a normal storage capacity of 10,000 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 14,000 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 984 acres and draining an area of 1.6 square miles.
Despite its historical significance and importance for irrigation, Whitney Dam 1 is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a low hazard potential. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in August 2017. Although there are no spillways or outlet gates identified, the dam's structural integrity and maintenance are essential in ensuring its continued function and safety for the surrounding community and the White River.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Whitney Dam 1 presents a fascinating case study of a century-old irrigation structure in need of attention and potential rehabilitation. As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, the resilience and upkeep of dams like Whitney Dam 1 become increasingly important for sustainable water management and agricultural practices in the region. The dam's location, design details, and ownership by the local government all contribute to its significance as a key piece of water infrastructure in Nebraska.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Whitney Dam 1 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Horsehead Cr At Oelrichs Sd | · | → |
| White R Nr Ne-Sd State Line | 3 cfs | → |
| Hat Cr Near Edgemont Sd | 0 cfs | → |
| Cheyenne R Below Angostura Dam Sd | 1 cfs | → |
| White R Near Oglala Sd | 101 cfs | → |
| Cheyenne R At Edgemont Sd | 3 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Whitney Dam 1.
Track Whitney Dam 1 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Whitney Dam 1
Where does the data for Whitney Dam 1 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Whitney Dam 1.