Box Butte Reservoir Report
Nearby: Steffensen Dam Hoatson Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Box Butte, located in Dawes, Nebraska, is a federal-owned dam managed by the Bureau of Reclamation.
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Summary
Completed in 1945, this earth dam stands at a height of 87 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Niobrara River. With a maximum storage capacity of 47,800 acre-feet and a normal storage of 31,060 acre-feet, Box Butte plays a crucial role in managing irrigation and flood control in the region.
The dam, with a structural height of 87 feet and a length of 5,508 feet, also features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 590 feet. While it has a high hazard potential, its risk assessment is considered moderate. The dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Bureau of Reclamation, ensuring its continued safe operation and maintenance. With its strategic location and significant role in water resource management, Box Butte remains a vital asset in protecting the surrounding community and environment from potential flooding events.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering marvel of Box Butte, with its stone core and soil foundation contributing to its stability. As a key player in flood risk reduction and irrigation, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of water infrastructure in ensuring the safety and sustainability of communities. Its location on the Niobrara River, combined with its impressive storage capacity and controlled spillway, highlights the critical role it plays in managing water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
5508 |
Dam Height |
87 |
River Or Stream |
NIOBRARA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1799 |
Hydraulic Height |
52 |
Drainage Area |
1260 |
Nid Storage |
47800 |
Structural Height |
87 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
87 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Box Butte