Snook Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Snook Dam, located in Dawes, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure constructed in 1951 primarily for irrigation purposes along the TR-PETERSON CREEK.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This Earth-type dam stands at 18 feet in height and spans 590 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition.

With its stone and buttress core types, Snook Dam plays a crucial role in providing water for agricultural irrigation in the region. The dam's location in a rural area reflects its importance in sustaining water resources for local farmers and the surrounding ecosystem. Although it does not have a spillway or outlet gates, the dam's design and construction have proven effective in meeting the irrigation needs of the area.

As a key feature in the water management infrastructure of Dawes County, Snook Dam serves as a vital resource for maintaining water availability for agricultural activities. Its satisfactory condition and regulatory oversight ensure that the dam continues to support the irrigation needs of the community while minimizing risks associated with its operation. The dam's history and functionality highlight the essential role of water resource management in addressing the challenges of climate variability in the region.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

590

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-PETERSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.31

Nid Storage

58

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.