Blickenstaff Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Blickenstaff Dam, located in Furnas, Nebraska, on TR-Sappa Creek, stands as a testament to flood risk reduction efforts since its completion in 1960.
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Summary
This private-owned dam, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, boasts an earth dam type with stone core and soil foundation, standing at a height of 22.9 feet and a length of 185 feet. It has a storage capacity of 59.9 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 28.3 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.79 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, Blickenstaff Dam's condition assessment indicates poor conditions as of the last inspection in March 2017. With a structural height matching its hydraulic height at 22.9 feet, the dam's state jurisdiction, regulated by the NE DNR, oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities. As a critical infrastructure in the region, it plays a vital role in managing water resources and enhancing climate resilience in the area. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Blickenstaff Dam a significant case study in flood risk reduction efforts and the importance of maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
185 |
Dam Height |
22.9 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SAPPA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
22.9 |
Drainage Area |
1.79 |
Nid Storage |
59.9 |
Structural Height |
22.9 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Blickenstaff Dam