Dorchester 2-A Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dorchester 2-A is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Crete, Nebraska along the TR-W FK Big Blue River.


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Summary

Built in 1966 and designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a structural height of 36 feet. With a storage capacity of 558 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.8 square miles, Dorchester 2-A plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Dorchester 2-A has a significant hazard potential but was assessed to be in satisfactory condition during its last inspection in April 2016. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 125 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 706 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, Dorchester 2-A continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction effectively and is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its proper functioning and safety.

As a key part of the flood control infrastructure in Saline County, Nebraska, Dorchester 2-A exemplifies the importance of proactive water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions. Its role in mitigating flood risks and protecting communities downstream underscores the critical need for ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this essential structure for years to come.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

695

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR-W FK BIG BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

21

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

1.8

Nid Storage

558

Structural Height

36

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Dorchester 2-AWEST FORK BIG BLUE RIVER NR DORCHESTER Preview West Fork Big Blue River Nr Dorchester
39.3cfs
39cfs
Dorchester 2-ABIG BLUE RIVER NEAR CRETE Preview Big Blue River Near Crete
94.8cfs
95cfs
Dorchester 2-AHAINES BRANCH AT SW 56th ST. AT LINCOLN Preview Haines Branch At Sw 56th St. At Lincoln
1.33cfs
1cfs
Dorchester 2-AMIDDLE CREEK AT SW 40th ST. AT LINCOLN Preview Middle Creek At Sw 40th St. At Lincoln
1.26cfs
1cfs
Dorchester 2-AOAK CREEK AT AIR PARK RD AT LINCOLN Preview Oak Creek At Air Park Rd At Lincoln
15.1cfs
15cfs
Dorchester 2-ASALT CREEK AT PIONEERS BLVD AT LINCOLN Preview Salt Creek At Pioneers Blvd At Lincoln
10.5cfs
11cfs

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.
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Nearby Reservoirs