Henke Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Henke Dam, located in Beaver Crossing, Nebraska, is a private earth dam completed in 2000 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes along the TR-W FK Big Blue River.


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Summary

With a height of 13.9 feet and a storage capacity of 79.3 acre-feet, this dam serves as a vital resource for the local community. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition was assessed as poor during the last inspection in May 2017, raising concerns about its long-term structural integrity.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Henke Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's location in Seward County, Nebraska, within Congressional District 01, underlines its importance in local water resource management. The dam's associated structures, spillway type, and outlet gates were not specified, indicating potential areas for further improvement and risk mitigation measures to ensure the safety and efficiency of the dam for its intended purposes.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Henke Dam's data intriguing, as it highlights the intersection of infrastructure, water management, and environmental stewardship in a rural setting. The dam's role in providing essential services such as fire protection and stock watering underscores its significance for both human needs and ecological sustainability. With a focus on enhancing the dam's condition assessment, risk management measures, and emergency preparedness, stakeholders can work towards ensuring the long-term viability and resilience of Henke Dam in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource challenges.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

13.9

River Or Stream

TR-W FK BIG BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.05

Hydraulic Height

13.9

Drainage Area

1.02

Nid Storage

79.3

Structural Height

13.9

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

14
       
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.