Cook Northwest Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kilpatrick Dam Cook Southeast Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Cook Northwest Dam, located in Alliance, Nebraska, along Snake Creek, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1953, this private earth dam stands at a height of 7.8 feet with a length of 569 feet, providing a storage capacity of 87.5 acre-feet. The dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing essential resources for the local community.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Cook Northwest Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in November 2012. With state jurisdiction and regulatory oversight, the dam is equipped with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its modest size, the dam contributes to water resource management and climate resilience in the region, demonstrating the importance of even small-scale infrastructure in safeguarding water supplies and ecosystems.
As an integral part of the local landscape, Cook Northwest Dam represents a significant investment in water infrastructure that supports agricultural and ecological needs in Box Butte County. With its strategic location and purposeful design, the dam serves as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices and highlights the role of private ownership in maintaining critical water resources for the community. Cook Northwest Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management, climate adaptation, and community resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
569 |
Dam Height |
7.8 |
River Or Stream |
SNAKE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
7.8 |
Drainage Area |
213.61 |
Nid Storage |
87.5 |
Structural Height |
7.8 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Cook Northwest Dam