Cottonwood Creek 32-A Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Cottonwood Creek 32-A is a crucial infrastructure project located in Saunders, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the TR-Cottonwood Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1972, this earth dam stands at 30 feet tall and spans 936 feet, providing flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 306 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.7 square miles, this dam plays a key role in protecting the local community from potential inundation events.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Cottonwood Creek 32-A has been deemed to have low hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2016. The dam is inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality, highlighting the commitment to maintaining the safety and effectiveness of this vital water resource infrastructure. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this project serves as a critical component in the overall water resource management strategy for the region.
As part of the broader network of flood control measures in Nebraska, Cottonwood Creek 32-A stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and the USDA NRCS to safeguard communities against the impacts of extreme weather events. With its strategic location and design, this earth dam not only protects against potential floodwaters but also contributes to the overall resilience of the area's water resource infrastructure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and appreciating the significance of projects like Cottonwood Creek 32-A is essential in advocating for sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
936 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
306 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Platte River At North Bend
|
4920cfs |
Wahoo Creek At Ithaca
|
53cfs |
Platte River Nr Leshara
|
5270cfs |
Rock Creek Near Ceresco
|
14cfs |
Maple Creek Near Nickerson
|
37cfs |
Elkhorn River At Waterloo
|
1120cfs |
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 32-A
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