Thorston B-2 dam
Thorston B-2
Thorston B-2, a significant flood risk reduction structure located in Saunders, Nebraska, was completed in 1954 under the design of the USDA NRCS. Standing at a height of 26 feet with a hydraulic height of 22.96 feet, this earth dam spans 734 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Wahoo Creek. With a normal storage capacity of 14.4 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.53 square miles, Thorston B-2 plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the region.
Maintained by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Thorston B-2 has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2016. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide essential flood protection to the local community, with a maximum discharge capacity of 399 cubic feet per second. With a total storage capacity of 217.1 acre-feet and a surface area of 3.6 acres, Thorston B-2 showcases the importance of well-designed infrastructure in mitigating the impacts of climate change on water resources.
With its efficient design and successful track record in flood risk reduction, Thorston B-2 stands as a testament to the dedication of local government agencies and the USDA NRCS in safeguarding communities against water-related disasters. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water management, structures like Thorston B-2 play a critical role in ensuring the resilience of communities in Saunders, Nebraska, and beyond. By upholding rigorous inspection and maintenance practices, Thorston B-2 remains a vital asset in the fight against water-related hazards, showcasing the power of strategic infrastructure in climate adaptation efforts.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Thorston B-2 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Wahoo Creek At Ithaca | 43 cfs | → |
| Rock Creek Near Ceresco | 16 cfs | → |
| Wahoo Cr At Ashland | 80 cfs | → |
| Platte River Nr Leshara | 1,750 cfs | → |
| Salt Creek At Greenwood | 95 cfs | → |
| Platte R Nr Ashland | 2,740 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Thorston B-2.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
Track Thorston B-2 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Thorston B-2
Where does the data for Thorston B-2 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Thorston B-2.