Hentzen Dam

TR-BIG BLUE RIVER· Seward, Nebraska· Built 2002· Earth· 17 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Hentzen Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 2002 and is 24 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 17.6% in NE)
Dam Length421 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage100 acre-ft
Normal Storage24 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge159 cfs
Year Completed2002 (24 years old)
NID IDNE02690

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 22, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Dennis & Bonnie Hentzen

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hentzen Dam?

Hentzen Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Hentzen Dam?

Hentzen Dam is owned by Dennis & Bonnie Hentzen (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hentzen Dam built?

Hentzen Dam was completed in 2002, making it 24 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Hentzen Dam?

Hentzen Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Hentzen Dam?

Hentzen Dam has a dam height of 17 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Hentzen Dam last inspected?

Hentzen Dam was last inspected on June 22, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.