Valentine Mill Pond Dam

MINNECHADUZA CREEK· Cherry, Nebraska· Built 1893· Earth· 36 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Valentine Mill Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1893 and is 133 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 36 ft (taller than 84.1% in NE)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage391 acre-ft
Normal Storage168 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Drainage Area374 sq mi
Max Discharge6,090 cfs
Year Completed1893 (133 years old)
NID IDNE00600

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 7, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Valentine Mill Pond Dam?

Valentine Mill Pond Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Valentine Mill Pond Dam?

Valentine Mill Pond Dam is owned by Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Valentine Mill Pond Dam built?

Valentine Mill Pond Dam was completed in 1893, making it 133 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 Valentine Mill Pond Dam?

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

How tall is Valentine Mill Pond Dam?

Valentine Mill Pond Dam has a dam height of 36 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 Valentine Mill Pond Dam last inspected?

Valentine Mill Pond Dam was last inspected on June 7, 2023. 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.