Cushing Dam, located in Hitchcock, Nebraska, along the Hay Canyon River, was completed in 1980 and serves primarily for flood risk reduction with a structure height of 23.2 feet and a hydraulic height of 19.4 feet. Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and has state-permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place. With a storage capacity of 50.6 acre-feet and a normal storage of 27.5 acre-feet, Cushing Dam covers a surface area of 1.7 acres and drains a 3.67 square mile area.

Although the dam is classified as having a low hazard potential, its condition assessment remains unrated as of the last inspection in September 2018. While there are no associated structures or outlet gates, the dam is situated in a strategic location for mitigating flood risks in the region. The local congressman representing Congressional District 03, Nebraska, Adrian Smith, oversees the area where Cushing Dam stands, emphasizing the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Cushing Dam a fascinating structure for its critical role in flood control and its impact on the surrounding ecosystem. The dam's design, construction, and operational aspects offer valuable insights into the intersection of infrastructure development, environmental protection, and regulatory oversight. As water security becomes increasingly important in the context of climate change, understanding the dynamics of dams like Cushing Dam can provide valuable lessons for sustainable water management practices in the future.