Hayes Center Special Use Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Felker Dam Road 737 County Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Hayes Center Special Use Dam, located in Hayes County, Nebraska, was completed in 1936 and serves as a recreational resource for the local community.
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Summary
With a height of 23 feet and a length of 364 feet, this earth dam on Red Willow Creek offers a serene surface area of 70 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 1830 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is in poor condition and requires regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the Hayes Center Special Use Dam is a state-regulated structure with a low hazard potential. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, providing a popular spot for activities like fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Despite its poor condition assessment, the dam remains a valuable asset for both the local community and visitors to the area.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan is not currently updated, posing a potential risk to downstream areas. With its historical significance and recreational value, the Hayes Center Special Use Dam stands as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
364 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
RED WILLOW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
70 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
450 |
Nid Storage |
1830 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
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.
Hayes Center Special Use Dam