Hastings Northwest Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Hastings Northwest Dam, located in Nebraska, was completed in 1980 and serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the TR-W FK BIG BLUE RIVER.
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Summary
Managed by the local government and designed by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet, with a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 28 feet. With a storage capacity of 1155 acre-feet and a normal storage of 145 acre-feet, this dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the region.
The dam's Hazard Potential is rated as high, but its Condition Assessment indicates that it is currently satisfactory. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources regulates and inspects the dam regularly to ensure its safety and effectiveness in flood risk reduction. With a drainage area of 3.6 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 8927 cubic feet per second, Hastings Northwest Dam is a vital infrastructure for protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events.
Despite its high hazard potential, Hastings Northwest Dam remains in satisfactory condition, meeting regulatory standards for inspection, enforcement, and permitting. Operated by the local government, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and flood risk reduction efforts in Nebraska. As climate change continues to impact the region, the importance of structures like Hastings Northwest Dam in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from extreme weather events cannot be overstated.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
7800 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR-W FK BIG BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
42 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
3.6 |
Nid Storage |
1155 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Platte River Near Grand Island
|
1450cfs |
Little Blue River Near Deweese
|
40cfs |
South Loup R At St. Michael
|
200cfs |
Platte River Near Kearney
|
1810cfs |
Warm Slough Nr Central City
|
0cfs |
Republican River At Guide Rock
|
35cfs |
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.
Hastings Northwest Dam
Lake Hastings Park
Fergus Park
Crystal Lake State Recreation Area