Cottonwood Creek 8-D Reservoir Report
Nearby: Chapek Dam Roberts Dam 254
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Cottonwood Creek 8-D is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Saunders County, Nebraska.
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Summary
Built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and plays a significant role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a normal storage capacity of 186 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1327 cubic feet per second, the dam covers a drainage area of 1.9 square miles and serves as a vital component of the local water resource management system.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Cottonwood Creek 8-D has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition with a low hazard potential. The dam's design includes stone core types and soil foundations, contributing to its structural integrity and effectiveness in flood control. Despite its age, the dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its continued functionality and safety. With its strategic location on TR-Cottonwood Creek and proximity to Wahoo, this dam remains a key asset in mitigating flood risks and protecting the community from potential water-related disasters.
As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and exacerbate the frequency and intensity of extreme events, structures like Cottonwood Creek 8-D become increasingly vital in safeguarding communities against flooding. The collaborative efforts between local government agencies, the USDA NRCS, and the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources highlight the importance of proactive water resource management practices in ensuring the resilience of infrastructure to climate-related challenges. With its satisfactory condition and low hazard potential, Cottonwood Creek 8-D stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction measures in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
1110 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
36 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
1.9 |
Nid Storage |
753 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wahoo Creek At Ithaca
|
53cfs |
Platte River Nr Leshara
|
5270cfs |
Platte River At North Bend
|
4920cfs |
Rock Creek Near Ceresco
|
14cfs |
Elkhorn River At Waterloo
|
1120cfs |
Wahoo Cr At Ashland
|
78cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Cottonwood Creek 8-D