Petersen Dam 3753 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gardner Dam 1153 Cushing Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Petersen Dam 3753, located in Hitchcock, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed for flood risk reduction along the TR-Republican River.
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Summary
Completed in 1960, this earthen dam stands at a height of 16.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 97.8 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 36.1 acre-feet. Despite its critical role in managing water flow in the area, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, posing a significant hazard if not properly maintained.
Managed by the NE DNR, Petersen Dam 3753 is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and effectiveness in flood control. The dam's location in a high-risk area highlights the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and protect nearby communities. With a drainage area of 0.67 square miles and a maximum discharge of 2474 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding area from flood events.
As a key component of flood risk management in the region, Petersen Dam 3753 serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and understand the intersection of human development and natural hazards. Its condition assessment, regulatory oversight, and emergency preparedness measures are essential aspects to consider in ensuring the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of increasing climate variability and extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
370 |
Dam Height |
16.6 |
River Or Stream |
TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
16.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.67 |
Nid Storage |
97.8 |
Structural Height |
16.6 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Petersen Dam 3753
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