South Fork 3-D Reservoir Report
Nearby: South Fork 3-C South Fork 3-4
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
South Fork 3-D is a significant earth dam located in Pawnee, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1981.
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Summary
This dam serves a primary purpose of flood risk reduction and stands at a height of 31 feet, with a structural height of 36 feet. It has a storage capacity of 767 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 30 acres, with a drainage area of 1.9 square miles.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, South Fork 3-D is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safe operation and maintenance. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition, last assessed in 2017. Despite its age, South Fork 3-D continues to play a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 374 cubic feet per second.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the engineering and hydrological details of South Fork 3-D, located along the TR-NEGRO BRANCH CREEK. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, this dam exemplifies the importance of infrastructure in managing water resources and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events in Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
1252 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NEGRO BRANCH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
1.9 |
Nid Storage |
767 |
Structural Height |
36 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
South Fork 3-D