Pilster Dam

DRY CREEK· Dawes, Nebraska· Built 1937· Earth· 22 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Pilster Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 35.8% in NE)
Dam Length680 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage722 acre-ft
Normal Storage363 acre-ft
Surface Area58 acres
Drainage Area14 sq mi
Max Discharge2,800 cfs
Year Completed1937 (89 years old)
NID IDNE00804

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: August 29, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Bergfield Land & Cattle Co LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Blust Dam

Dawes, NE

Low Hazard 19 ft

Betson Ranch Dam

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Low Hazard 13 ft

Whitney Dam 1

Dawes, NE

Low Hazard 19 ft

Baldwin Reservoir Dam

Dawes, NE

Low Hazard 13 ft

Rock Bass Allot 2 Dam

Dawes, NE

Low Hazard 15 ft

Bauer Dam

Dawes, NE

Low Hazard 22 ft

Norman Dam

Dawes, NE

Significant Hazard 40 ft

Mcmeekin Dam

Dawes, NE

Low Hazard 20 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pilster Dam?

Pilster 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 Pilster Dam?

Pilster Dam is owned by Bergfield Land & Cattle Co LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pilster Dam built?

Pilster Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Pilster Dam?

Pilster 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 Pilster Dam?

Pilster Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Pilster Dam last inspected?

Pilster Dam was last inspected on August 29, 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.