Kostal Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kostal Hawthorne Dam Hinrichs Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Hamilton, Nebraska, the Kostal Dam is a privately owned structure that serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and acting as a small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 16.4 feet and has a storage capacity of 61.7 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 26.1 acre-feet. The dam spans 375 feet in length and covers a surface area of 5.2 acres, with a drainage area of 0.79 square miles.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the Kostal Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 rated it as poor. With a five-year inspection frequency, the structure is closely monitored to mitigate any risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding area in case of emergencies.
The Kostal Dam plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem by providing water resources for various purposes while also enhancing fire protection measures. As climate change continues to impact water resources and ecosystems, the maintenance and management of dams like Kostal become increasingly important in adapting to a changing environment and ensuring the sustainability of water sources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
16.4 |
River Or Stream |
TR-W FK BIG BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
16.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.79 |
Nid Storage |
61.7 |
Structural Height |
16.4 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Platte River Near Grand Island
|
1450cfs |
Warm Slough Nr Central City
|
0cfs |
Little Blue River Near Deweese
|
40cfs |
Middle Loup R. At St. Paul
|
1820cfs |
South Loup R At St. Michael
|
200cfs |
North Loup River Nr St Paul Nebr
|
1370cfs |
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.
Kostal Dam