Wilson Creek 12-16 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wilson Creek 12-17 Wilson Creek 12-18
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Wilson Creek 12-16 is a local government-owned dam located in Otoe, Nebraska, along the TR-N FK Little Nemaha River.
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Summary
Designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet with a structural height of 25 feet and a length of 590 feet. It serves primarily for flood risk reduction and other purposes, with a maximum storage capacity of 119 acre-feet and a normal storage of 14 acre-feet.
With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2016, Wilson Creek 12-16 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. Situated in the Kansas City District, this dam has a drainage area of 0.4 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 537 cubic feet per second. While lacking certain features like spillways or outlet gates, it remains an essential structure for managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate management will find Wilson Creek 12-16 a fascinating example of infrastructure designed to protect communities from potential inundation. As part of a larger network of dams and water control structures, its role in conserving and regulating water flow in the TR-N FK Little Nemaha River watershed showcases the collaborative efforts between local governments and federal agencies like the USDA NRCS. With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive risk management and sustainable water resource practices in Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
590 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-N FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
119 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Weeping Water Creek At Union
|
20cfs |
Platte R At Louisville Ne
|
4630cfs |
Missouri River At Nebraska City
|
24100cfs |
Salt Creek At Greenwood
|
125cfs |
Platte R Nr Ashland
|
6290cfs |
Stevens Creek Nr. Lincoln
|
3cfs |
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.
Wilson Creek 12-16