Hilda Norman Dam 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hilda Norman Dam 3, located in Sioux County, Nebraska, is a privately owned irrigation dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1961.


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Summary

With a height of 14 feet and a length of 1992 feet, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation, providing a normal storage capacity of 170.2 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-Big Cottonwood Creek, within the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.

Despite its important role in water resource management, Hilda Norman Dam 3 is classified as having a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment. The last inspection in June 2019 revealed the need for improvement, prompting concerns about its safety and reliability. The dam lacks certain emergency preparedness measures, such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and updated contact information, raising further questions about its risk management strategies.

With its location in a critical watershed area and its vital function for irrigation purposes, the maintenance and rehabilitation of Hilda Norman Dam 3 are essential for ensuring the safety of downstream communities and the efficient use of water resources. Collaboration between the private owner, regulatory agencies like the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, and possibly federal agencies like the USDA NRCS will be crucial in addressing the dam's deficiencies and implementing necessary risk management measures.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

1992

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR-BIG COTTONWOOD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

51.2

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

1.9

Nid Storage

441

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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.