Hintz Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hintz Dam, located in Thayer, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1980 with a primary purpose of providing fire protection and serving as a stock or small fish pond.


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Summary

Standing at a structural height of 36.14 feet and a hydraulic height of 21.91 feet, the dam boasts a length of 613 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 247 acre-feet. The reservoir created by Hintz Dam covers an area of 10.36 acres and has a normal storage capacity of 51.3 acre-feet, making it a vital resource for the local community.

With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of November 2018, Hintz Dam is regularly inspected by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is equipped with outlet gates for water release and has a maximum discharge capacity of 1209 cubic feet per second. Despite its relatively small size, Hintz Dam plays a crucial role in providing essential water resources for fire protection and livestock, as well as supporting local wildlife through its function as a small fish pond. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the role that Hintz Dam plays in both water management and environmental conservation efforts in Thayer, Nebraska.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

613

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.36

Hydraulic Height

21.91

Drainage Area

1.82

Nid Storage

247

Structural Height

36.14

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.