Dahnke Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dahnke Dam, located in Hitchcock, Nebraska, is a private-owned structure that serves various purposes, including flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a storage capacity of 68.6 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 18.8 acre-feet. The dam spans 195 feet in length and covers a surface area of 5.1 acres, with a drainage area of 2.1 acres.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Dahnke Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities, ensuring its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. With a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated as of its last inspection in June 2016. Despite its low hazard potential, Dahnke Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area, contributing to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Hitchcock County.

Situated along the TR-Republican River and under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District, Dahnke Dam stands as a testament to responsible water resource management in Nebraska. With its strategic location and purposeful design, the dam continues to support the local community by safeguarding against potential flood events and ensuring sustainable water utilization for years to come.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

195

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.1

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

2.1

Nid Storage

68.6

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

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.