Thorston B-2a Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Thorston B-2a is a local government-owned earth dam in Saunders, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the NE DNR.


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Summary

Completed in 1954, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Wahoo Creek. With a height of 23 feet and a length of 900 feet, Thorston B-2a has a storage capacity of 380 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.42 square miles.

Located in Ithaca, Nebraska, this dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition, last inspected in May 2016. With a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 26 feet, Thorston B-2a plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam's design includes a stone core and soil foundation, ensuring its stability and effectiveness in managing water resources and protecting the local community from potential flooding events.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Thorston B-2a is an essential infrastructure in the area, with a normal storage capacity of 18 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1,660 cubic feet per second. With its strategic location and key role in flood risk reduction, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in Nebraska.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-WAHOO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

1.42

Nid Storage

380

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.