Henderson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Henderson is a public utility dam located in Nebraska, specifically in Dawson County near the city of Cozad.


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Summary

Completed in 1941, this hydroelectric dam serves the primary purpose of generating power and providing irrigation for the surrounding area. With a dam height of 19 feet and a length of 254 feet, Henderson has a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Henderson is classified as an earth dam with a stone core and soil foundation. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has a high risk assessment due to its age and the potential impact of failure. While the condition assessment is not currently available, Henderson undergoes inspections every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety measures are up to date.

Overall, Henderson represents an important piece of infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region. As a key source of hydroelectric power and irrigation, this dam plays a crucial role in supporting the agricultural activities and energy needs of the area. With its regulated state permitting and inspection processes, Henderson continues to operate effectively while addressing potential risks and ensuring the safety of the surrounding communities.

Year Completed

1941

Dam Length

254

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

Supply Canal

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Nid Storage

500

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.