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