Fox Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Fox Dam in Dawes, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS to serve as a flood risk reduction measure along the TR-White River.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 20.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet. With a normal storage of 21 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.64 square miles, Fox Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Fox Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to monitor its performance. The last inspection in September 2018 confirmed its operational readiness and highlighted its importance in flood risk management for the surrounding area.

Located within the Omaha District, Fox Dam is a vital piece of infrastructure for the local community and aligns with its primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a strategic design by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam continues to serve as a reliable resource for water management and climate resilience in Dawes, Nebraska.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

436

Dam Height

20.5

River Or Stream

TR-WHITE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

20.5

Drainage Area

0.64

Nid Storage

55

Structural Height

20.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.
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Area Campgrounds