Bigger Stink Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Smith Dam 313 Blackwood Creek 72-A
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bigger Stink Dam, located in Hayes, Nebraska, was completed in 1965 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management, as well as flood risk reduction for the TR-Stinking Water Creek.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 13.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 79.7 acre-feet, with a drainage area of 3.22 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the condition assessment of Bigger Stink Dam is rated as poor, with the last inspection conducted in October 2014.
Owned privately, Bigger Stink Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Even though the dam's purpose is primarily for fire protection and water management, its condition raises concerns about potential safety risks and the need for maintenance or rehabilitation. With a designated emergency action plan (EAP) yet to be prepared or updated, there are uncertainties about the readiness of the dam in case of an emergency situation.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bigger Stink Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure with implications for flood risk management and water conservation along the TR-Stinking Water Creek. The dam's location in a critical watershed area highlights the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety of downstream communities and ecosystems. As discussions around infrastructure resilience and climate change adaptation continue, Bigger Stink Dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and opportunities in sustainable water resource management.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
340 |
Dam Height |
13.6 |
River Or Stream |
TR-STINKING WATER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
13.6 |
Drainage Area |
3.22 |
Nid Storage |
79.7 |
Structural Height |
13.6 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Bigger Stink Dam