Moody Dam 1255 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Moody Dam 2 Ben Norman Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Moody Dam 1255, located in Dawes, Nebraska, along the North Fork of Big Cottonwood Creek, serves multiple purposes such as fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1958, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet with a structural height of 21 feet and a length of 375 feet. With a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 52 acres and drains an area of 8.3 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, Moody Dam 1255 has been assessed as being in poor condition as of August 2019. The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state-mandated inspections and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unclear, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks associated with its operation.
As an essential water resource infrastructure, Moody Dam 1255 plays a crucial role in providing water for various purposes within the region. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find interest in monitoring the dam's condition and regulatory compliance to ensure its continued functionality and safety for both human and environmental use in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource demands.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
N FK BIG COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
52 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
8.3 |
Nid Storage |
450 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Moody Dam 1255