Squaw Creek Dam

SQUAW CREEK· Dawes, Nebraska· Built 1911· Earth· 25 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Squaw Creek Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1911 and is 115 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 25 ft (taller than 46.7% in NE)
Dam Length1,440 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage600 acre-ft
Normal Storage415 acre-ft
Surface Area40 acres
Drainage Area15 sq mi
Max Discharge1,500 cfs
Year Completed1911 (115 years old)
NID IDNE00798

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: May 5, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Mary C McDowell Trust

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Squaw Creek Dam?

Squaw Creek 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 Squaw Creek Dam?

Squaw Creek Dam is owned by Mary C McDowell Trust (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Squaw Creek Dam built?

Squaw Creek Dam was completed in 1911, making it 115 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 Squaw Creek Dam?

Squaw Creek 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 Squaw Creek Dam?

Squaw Creek Dam 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 Squaw Creek Dam last inspected?

Squaw Creek Dam was last inspected on May 5, 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.