Holmesville Power Plant Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

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.


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Summary

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
       
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.