Wilson Creek 12-17 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wilson Creek 12-16 Wilson Creek 12-18
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Wilson Creek 12-17 is a local government-owned earth dam located in Otoe, Nebraska, along the TR-N FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER.
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Summary
Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at 27 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 26 feet and a structural height of 32 feet. With a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.4 square miles, Wilson Creek 12-17 serves primarily for flood risk reduction purposes.
Despite its age, Wilson Creek 12-17 is reported to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in May 2017, with a low hazard potential. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 12 acre-feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 236 cubic feet per second. The dam's design includes buttress and stone core types, supported by a soil foundation, covering a length of 650 feet and a surface area of 3 acres. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality.
Overall, Wilson Creek 12-17 plays a crucial role in managing flood risks along the TR-N FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER in Nebraska. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, this dam continues to provide essential flood protection while maintaining a satisfactory condition and low hazard potential. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering behind this structure and the ongoing efforts to ensure its effectiveness in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-N FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
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 12-17