Hitchcock Dam 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Hitchcock Dam 3, located in Niobrara, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1977, this earth dam stands at a height of 43 feet with a hydraulic height of 37 feet, serving as a crucial water resource for the area. With a storage capacity of 145 acre-feet, the dam primarily regulates water from the Spotted Tail Creek, covering a surface area of 7 acres and draining a 0.8 square mile area.

Despite its low hazard potential, Hitchcock Dam 3's condition assessment in 2019 indicated poor structural health, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources oversees the regulation, inspection, and enforcement of this dam, ensuring its compliance with state permitting requirements. With a history dating back over 40 years, this essential irrigation infrastructure plays a key role in supporting agricultural activities in the region, emphasizing the significance of proactive management and risk assessment to safeguard water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

357

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

SPOTTED TAIL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

145

Structural Height

43

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

43
       
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.