Bill Coffee Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bill Coffee Dam 1, located in Sioux County, Nebraska, was completed in 1959 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

This private dam, standing at a height of 26 feet and a length of 685 feet, serves as a crucial water resource in the area. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam has a storage capacity of 209.1 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 63.2 acre-feet, making it essential for irrigation and emergency water supply.

With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of August 2019, Bill Coffee Dam 1 plays a vital role in water management and climate resilience in the region. The dam ensures a reliable water source for agriculture, livestock, and local communities, while also serving as a habitat for small fish species. Despite being privately owned, the dam is subject to state regulation and inspection by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with environmental standards.

Situated on TR-Hat Creek, Bill Coffee Dam 1 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners and government agencies in managing water resources for multiple purposes. With its strategic location and efficient design, the dam not only provides essential water storage but also contributes to fire protection and ecological sustainability in the surrounding area. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as a prime example of effective water management practices for a resilient and sustainable future.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

685

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-HAT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

4

Nid Storage

209.1

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.