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. 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.