Hiles Canyon

Supply Canal· Dawson, Nebraska· Built 1941· Earth· 25 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Irrigation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Hiles Canyon is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1941 and is 85 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 25 ft (taller than 46.7% in NE)
Dam Length502 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage200 acre-ft
Normal Storage170 acre-ft
Surface Area19 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
Max Discharge2,370 cfs
Year Completed1941 (85 years old)
NID IDNE01019

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: September 5, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hiles Canyon?

Hiles Canyon 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 Hiles Canyon?

Hiles Canyon is owned by Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hiles Canyon built?

Hiles Canyon was completed in 1941, making it 85 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 Hiles Canyon?

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

How tall is Hiles Canyon?

Hiles Canyon has a dam height of 25 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 Hiles Canyon last inspected?

Hiles Canyon was last inspected on September 5, 2019. 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.