Big Indian Creek 17-B Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Big Indian Creek 17-B is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Jefferson, Nebraska, along the TR-Big Indian Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 32 feet high and spans 1500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 2500 acre-feet. Despite its importance in mitigating flood risks in the area, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, with a low hazard potential.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Big Indian Creek 17-B undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With a drainage area of 6.2 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 4946 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a critical role in protecting the surrounding communities from potential flooding events. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor and support the maintenance efforts of infrastructure like Big Indian Creek 17-B to safeguard our water resources and adapt to the changing climate conditions in the region.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-BIG INDIAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

60

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

6.2

Nid Storage

2500

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.