Blackwood Creek 11-A is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Hayes, Nebraska, specifically in the city of MCCOOK. Constructed in 1992 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 59 feet and plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a storage capacity of 6050 acre-feet and a drainage area of 61.3 square miles, this dam helps manage water flow and mitigate the risk of high discharge during heavy rainfall.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Blackwood Creek 11-A is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it is designed to withstand hydraulic pressures with a hydraulic height of 58 feet and a structural height of 74 feet. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in protecting the local community and environment from potential water-related disasters.

With its location in the Blackwood Creek watershed and its association with the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Blackwood Creek 11-A serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the region. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, structures like Blackwood Creek 11-A play a vital role in safeguarding communities, agriculture, and ecosystems from the potentially devastating effects of floods, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management and infrastructure planning in the face of a changing climate.