Buckley Creek 4-A Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Buckley Creek 4-A, located in Jefferson County, Nebraska, is a local government-owned dam designed by the USDA NRCS to primarily serve flood risk reduction purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1971, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet with a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a structural height of 35 feet. With a storage capacity of 1503 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4.82 square miles, Buckley Creek 4-A plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Buckley Creek 4-A is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition, with a significant hazard potential. Its last inspection in June 2018 indicated that the dam meets safety standards, although its Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk assessment details are currently unavailable. With a maximum discharge capacity of 800 cubic feet per second and a spillway width yet to be specified, Buckley Creek 4-A remains a vital infrastructure for mitigating flood risks in the area.

Supported by federal funding and oversight from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Buckley Creek 4-A exemplifies the collaborative efforts between local and federal agencies in safeguarding communities from water-related hazards. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and enhancement of structures like Buckley Creek 4-A are essential for ensuring the resilience of the surrounding areas against flooding events. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, Buckley Creek 4-A stands as a critical asset in the region's water resource management and climate adaptation efforts.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

1142

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-BUCKLEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

49

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

4.82

Nid Storage

1503

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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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.