Hand Well Company Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Duncan Dam May Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Located in Gibbon, Nebraska, the Hand Well Company Dam is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet with a hydraulic height of 8 feet and a length of 275 feet, providing a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet. Situated on TR-DRY CREEK in Buffalo County, Nebraska, this low hazard dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition.
With a drainage area of 0.9 square miles, the Hand Well Company Dam serves as a vital water resource in the region, offering a surface area of 4 acres for various activities. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 276 cubic feet per second, mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability for irrigation and livestock needs. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water balance in the area and supporting the local ecosystem, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
As a significant component of the local water infrastructure, the Hand Well Company Dam serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners, regulatory agencies, and design experts in ensuring water security and environmental protection. With its strategic location and multi-purpose functionality, this dam stands as a reliable asset for fire protection, livestock maintenance, and ecological sustainability. By adhering to state regulations and undergoing regular inspections, the Hand Well Company Dam exemplifies the commitment to effective water resource management and climate adaptation in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
275 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR-DRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
0.9 |
Nid Storage |
57 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Platte River Near Kearney
|
928cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
South Loup R At St. Michael
|
200cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
1280cfs |
Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr
|
3cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1390cfs |
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.
Hand Well Company Dam