Wilson Creek 1-9 (Heirs Dam) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Wilson Creek 1-9, also known as Heirs Dam, is a critical water resource structure located in Otoe, Nebraska.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Constructed in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction. With a normal storage capacity of 22 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.7 square miles, this dam plays a vital role in managing water flow in the TR-N FK Little Nemaha River.

Despite its low hazard potential, Wilson Creek 1-9 is currently assessed to be in poor condition as of May 2019. The dam has a structural height of 29 feet and a length of 550 feet, highlighting its significant presence in the area. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources regulates this dam, ensuring its compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements for the safety of surrounding communities.

With its location in the Kansas City District and under the ownership of the local government, Wilson Creek 1-9 is a key infrastructure for water management in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Heirs Dam will be crucial in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security for the future.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-N FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

84

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.