Dorchester 4-A Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dorchester 4-A is a flood risk reduction structure located in Saline, Nebraska, along the TR-W FK BIG BLUE RIVER.


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Summary

Built in 1969 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a structural height of 34 feet. With a storage capacity of 368 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.3 square miles, Dorchester 4-A plays a crucial role in managing water flow and reducing the risk of flooding in the area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the NE DNR, Dorchester 4-A is equipped with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's hazard potential is classified as low, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2019. Despite its age, Dorchester 4-A continues to serve its primary purpose effectively, demonstrating the importance of proper maintenance and oversight in water resource management.

As a key component in the flood risk reduction infrastructure of the area, Dorchester 4-A plays a vital role in protecting the local community from potential water-related hazards. With its strategic location and design, this earth dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between government agencies and designers in safeguarding water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate variability.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

632

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-W FK BIG BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

1.3

Nid Storage

368

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Dorchester 4-AWEST FORK BIG BLUE RIVER NR DORCHESTER Preview West Fork Big Blue River Nr Dorchester
39.3cfs
39cfs
Dorchester 4-ABIG BLUE RIVER NEAR CRETE Preview Big Blue River Near Crete
94.8cfs
95cfs
Dorchester 4-AHAINES BRANCH AT SW 56th ST. AT LINCOLN Preview Haines Branch At Sw 56th St. At Lincoln
1.33cfs
1cfs
Dorchester 4-AMIDDLE CREEK AT SW 40th ST. AT LINCOLN Preview Middle Creek At Sw 40th St. At Lincoln
1.26cfs
1cfs
Dorchester 4-ASALT CREEK AT PIONEERS BLVD AT LINCOLN Preview Salt Creek At Pioneers Blvd At Lincoln
10.5cfs
11cfs
Dorchester 4-AOAK CREEK AT AIR PARK RD AT LINCOLN Preview Oak Creek At Air Park Rd At Lincoln
15.1cfs
15cfs

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