Buckley Creek 3-D, located in Jefferson County, Nebraska, is a vital earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1963 for flood risk reduction along TR-Buckley Creek. With a height of 34 feet and a length of 985 feet, this structure has a capacity to store 903 acre-feet of water, serving a drainage area of 2.4 square miles. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a hydraulic height of 33 feet and a structural height of 35 feet. Despite its low hazard potential, Buckley Creek 3-D is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its satisfactory condition for continued operation.

Owned by the local government, Buckley Creek 3-D is situated in a scenic location with a surface area of 27 acres and a normal storage capacity of 134 acre-feet. The dam's foundation is supported by soil, with a core made of stone to enhance its structural integrity. While there are no associated structures or federal agency involvement in funding or operating the dam, it is subject to regular inspections every five years to assess its condition and ensure compliance with state regulations. The last inspection conducted in May 2019 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition, with no identified risk management measures or emergency action plans currently in place.

In the event of an emergency, the local authorities are responsible for coordinating response efforts, as the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status is currently undetermined. With a history of reliable performance and a track record of effective flood risk reduction, Buckley Creek 3-D stands as a testament to the importance of sound infrastructure in managing water resources and climate-related challenges. As climate change continues to impact water systems, structures like Buckley Creek 3-D play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the threat of flooding and ensuring sustainable water management practices in the face of evolving environmental conditions.