Cottonwood Creek 23-A is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Saunders, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. Completed in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 313 acre-feet and a normal storage of 75 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 0.8 square miles and a maximum discharge of 1016 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area.

Managed by the local government, Cottonwood Creek 23-A has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of June 2016. Although its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, the dam also serves as a habitat for wildlife and contributes to the conservation of water resources in the region. Positioned along the TR-Cottonwood Creek, this structure is part of the extensive network of water management infrastructure in Nebraska, safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the significance of Cottonwood Creek 23-A lies not only in its engineering and operational aspects but also in its role within the broader context of water management and climate resilience. With its strategic location, structural design, and regulatory oversight, this dam exemplifies the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the escalating challenges of a changing climate.