Hoatson Dam, located in Valentine, Nebraska, is a private dam primarily designed for flood risk reduction along the Niobrara River. Built in 1937, this Earth dam stands at a height of 19.8 feet and has a storage capacity of 178.8 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 116.5 acre-feet. The dam spans 543 feet in length and covers a surface area of 20.2 acres, serving the purpose of mitigating potential flood hazards in the region.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Hoatson Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is regularly assessed and deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in July 2019. While no specific spillway type or outlet gates are mentioned, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 900 cubic feet per second, providing crucial flood control measures for the surrounding area.

With its strategic location and effective flood risk reduction capabilities, Hoatson Dam plays a vital role in safeguarding the Dawes County region in Nebraska from potential water-related disasters. As a key infrastructure asset along the Niobrara River, this privately owned dam serves as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the face of changing environmental conditions and increasing water-related challenges.