Cushing Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Keiser Farms Dam Petersen Dam 3753
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
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.
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Summary
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.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
130 |
Dam Height |
23.2 |
River Or Stream |
HAY CANYON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
19.4 |
Drainage Area |
3.67 |
Nid Storage |
50.6 |
Structural Height |
23.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Cushing Dam
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