Bernard Norman Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bernard Norman Dam 1, located in Sioux County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 14.5 feet and has a length of 558 feet. With a storage capacity of 226 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.84 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Bernard Norman Dam 1 has a low hazard potential and is not currently rated for its condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam is regularly inspected, with the last assessment conducted in June 2019. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently not documented, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality.

Situated on TR-Dirty Creek and falling under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency, Bernard Norman Dam 1 serves as a vital infrastructure for water supply and irrigation in the area. With its strategic location and operational significance, the dam underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region, making it a key asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and support.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

558

Dam Height

14.5

River Or Stream

TR-DIRTY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33.6

Hydraulic Height

14.5

Drainage Area

2.84

Nid Storage

226

Structural Height

14.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.