Cottonwood Creek 42-A Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Cottonwood Creek 42-A is a local government-owned dam in Saunders County, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the NE DNR.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and has a storage capacity of 277 acre-feet, primarily serving the purpose of flood risk reduction in the region. With a drainage area of 0.8 square miles, the dam has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in June 2016.

Located in MALMO, Nebraska, Cottonwood Creek 42-A is an essential structure for managing water resources in the area, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1017 cubic feet per second. The dam spans 815 feet in length and covers a surface area of 10 acres, providing critical protection against flooding events. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its continued effectiveness in safeguarding the community and surrounding areas.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

815

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

TR-COTTONWOOD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

277

Structural Height

43

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

43
       
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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.