Harwood Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Harwood Dam, located in Sioux County, Nebraska, was completed in 1960 for the primary purposes of fire protection, stock watering, and serving as a small fish pond.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 350 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 215.7 acre-feet and a surface area of 20.2 acres. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity.

Despite its low hazard potential, Harwood Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management for the area, with a normal storage capacity of 162.6 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3.1 square miles. The dam is situated along TR-Whitehead Creek and is overseen by the Omaha District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. While its condition is currently not rated, the dam has a designated inspection frequency of 10 years to assess any potential risks and implement necessary maintenance measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Harwood Dam serves as a key structure in maintaining water supply for fire protection and livestock needs in the region. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of efficient water management in rural areas. As efforts continue to regulate and monitor the dam's condition, it remains a vital component in the sustainable utilization of water resources in Sioux County, Nebraska.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-WHITEHEAD CREEK`

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20.2

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

3.1

Nid Storage

215.7

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.