Utecht Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Utecht Dam, located in Adams County, Nebraska, along the TR-W FK BIG BLUE RIVER, stands as a vital structure in the region for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Constructed in 1960, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 13.2 feet and spans a length of 205 feet, providing essential protection against potential flooding in the area. With a normal storage capacity of 13.3 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.51 square miles, Utecht Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and maintaining the safety of surrounding communities.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NE DNR), Utecht Dam is regularly inspected and regulated to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not yet rated for its condition assessment, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction effectively. With a last inspection date in October 2018 and an inspection frequency of every five years, Utecht Dam remains a key component in the local water infrastructure, contributing to the overall resilience of the area against potential flooding events.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the significance of Utecht Dam lies not only in its physical attributes but also in its role as a critical piece of infrastructure in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks. With its strategic location and operational capacity, this Earth dam serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to safeguard communities and enhance water resource management in Nebraska. As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by climate change, structures like Utecht Dam play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability and safety of our water systems for future generations.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

205

Dam Height

13.2

River Or Stream

TR-W FK BIG BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.9

Hydraulic Height

13.2

Drainage Area

0.51

Nid Storage

68.5

Structural Height

13.2

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.