West Midway Canyon

Supply Canal· Dawson, Nebraska· Built 1941· Earth· 38 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Irrigation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

West Midway 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 38 ft (taller than 87.6% in NE)
Dam Length878 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.4K acre-ft
Surface Area116 acres
Drainage Area10 sq mi
Max Discharge4,000 cfs
Year Completed1941 (85 years old)
NID IDNE01033

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 25, 2022
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 West Midway Canyon?

West Midway 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 West Midway Canyon?

West Midway 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 West Midway Canyon built?

West Midway 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 West Midway Canyon?

West Midway 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 West Midway Canyon?

West Midway Canyon has a dam height of 38 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 West Midway Canyon last inspected?

West Midway Canyon was last inspected on August 25, 2022. 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.