Located in Gage County, Nebraska, the Holmesville Power Plant Dam is a privately owned structure that serves as a hydroelectric facility along the Big Blue River.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1910, this buttress dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans 280 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 409 acre-feet. The dam plays a crucial role in harnessing the river's flow to generate power, contributing to the region's energy needs while also providing recreational opportunities in the surrounding area.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the Holmesville Power Plant Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safe operation and maintenance. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2020, the dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation without posing significant risks to the local community. As a key feature along the Big Blue River, the dam highlights the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and renewable energy production in the heart of Nebraska's natural landscape.
The Holmesville Power Plant Dam stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of hydroelectric infrastructure in Nebraska, blending historic architecture with modern energy technologies. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, the dam represents a tangible example of sustainable development that balances the need for clean power generation with environmental stewardship. With its strategic location, efficient design, and state oversight, the Holmesville Power Plant Dam continues to play a vital role in shaping the region's energy landscape while preserving the natural beauty of the Big Blue River ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1910 |
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
BIG BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Buttress |
Surface Area |
57 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
4000 |
Nid Storage |
409 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Big Blue R At Barneston Nebr
|
131cfs |
Turkey Creek Near De Witt
|
10cfs |
Little Blue R At Hollenberg
|
70cfs |
Big Blue R At Marysville
|
147cfs |
Little Blue River Near Fairbury
|
230cfs |
L Blue R Nr Barnes
|
122cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Feits Memorial Park
|
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Rockford Lake State Rec Area
|
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Chautauqua Municipal Park - Beatrice
|
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Riverside Park - Beatrice
|
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Big Indian NRD Rec Area
|