Papio Creek D-45 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Legacy Dam Papio Creek D-38
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Papio Creek D-45 in Douglas County, Nebraska, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS to manage flood risk along the TR-West Papio Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1972, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet, with a structural height of 43 feet and a length of 596 feet. It provides a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 35 acre-feet to mitigate potential flood events in the area.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Papio Creek D-45 is considered to have a significant hazard potential. Despite this, the dam's condition is assessed as satisfactory, with the last inspection conducted in October 2018. The structure has been modified for hydraulic purposes in 1997 to enhance its flood risk reduction capabilities. With a drainage area of 0.4 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 818 cubic feet per second, Papio Creek D-45 plays a vital role in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential flooding events.
Located in Omaha, Papio Creek D-45 serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam has been designed to withstand hydraulic pressures and ensure the safety of residents living downstream. Regular inspections and maintenance efforts contribute to the structure's overall satisfactory condition, highlighting its importance in water resource management and climate resilience for the local community.
Years Modified |
1997 - Hydraulic |
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
596 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WEST PAPIO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
125 |
Structural Height |
43 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Papillion Cr
|
38cfs |
Elkhorn River At Waterloo
|
1120cfs |
Platte River Nr Leshara
|
5270cfs |
Missouri River At Omaha
|
17700cfs |
Platte R Nr Ashland
|
6290cfs |
Platte R At Louisville Ne
|
6300cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Cunningham
|
||
Glenn Cunningham Lake
|
||
Walnut Creek - Papillion
|
Papio Creek D-45
Main boat ramp