Hahn Dam 5189 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Hahn Dam 5189, located in Cherry County, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1960 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

This dam, standing at a height of 14.5 feet and a length of 200 feet, serves as a vital resource in the management of Pole Creek, offering a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.1 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations.

The dam's proximity to Pole Creek makes it a key component in the local water resource management system, playing a role in irrigation, livestock watering, and fire protection in the area. With a normal storage capacity of 13.7 acre-feet, Hahn Dam 5189 contributes to the overall water availability and quality in Cherry County. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, its last inspection in October 2020 deemed it to have a low hazard potential, highlighting its importance in safeguarding the surrounding environment and communities against potential risks associated with water resource management.

As a significant feature in the landscape of Cherry County, Nebraska, Hahn Dam 5189 stands as a testament to the importance of small-scale water infrastructure in supporting various needs, from agricultural activities to emergency preparedness. With its history dating back to the 1960s, the dam continues to fulfill its role in the local ecosystem, showcasing the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and community protection. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and appreciating the significance of structures like Hahn Dam 5189 is essential in promoting sustainable practices and ensuring the long-term viability of water systems in the region.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

14.5

River Or Stream

POLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.1

Hydraulic Height

14.5

Drainage Area

2.99

Nid Storage

53

Structural Height

14.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.