Nowka Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lewis Dam 3639 Blackwood Creek 32-A
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Nowka Dam, located in Hitchcock, Nebraska, is a private earth dam completed in 1940 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a length of 267 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 130 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 27 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of December 2016, the dam is equipped to handle a maximum discharge of 3835 cubic feet per second.
Situated on the TR-Frenchman River, Nowka Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and falls under state jurisdiction for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's location in Culbertson, Nebraska, makes it a vital resource for fire protection and water storage in the area. With a surface area of 14 acres and a drainage area of 6.9 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and supporting the local ecosystem.
Managed by private owners, Nowka Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for the community, offering essential functions such as fire protection and stock pond management. With a history dating back to the 1940s, the dam continues to play a significant role in water resource management in Hitchcock County. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering behind this earth dam and its importance in maintaining a sustainable water supply for the region.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
267 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR-FRENCHMAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
6.9 |
Nid Storage |
130 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Nowka Dam