Bur Oak G-3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Bur Oak G-3 is a private earth dam located in Colfax County, Nebraska, designed by USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1969, this dam serves as a flood risk reduction structure along the TR-SHELL CREEK, with a height of 22 feet and a length of 300 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5 acres, with a maximum discharge of 296 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure with a satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2016, Bur Oak G-3 undergoes inspection every 5 years to ensure its integrity and safety. The dam is equipped with a spillway and meets regulatory requirements for state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Located in a rural area, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and protecting downstream communities from potential water-related disasters. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Bur Oak G-3 to be a fascinating example of engineering ingenuity in managing water resources for environmental and public safety benefits.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SHELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
85 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Shell Creek Near Columbus
|
87cfs |
Clear Cr 1.75mi W Of Polk Co Line
|
16cfs |
Platte River Near Duncan
|
243cfs |
Platte River At North Bend
|
4920cfs |
Loup River Near Genoa
|
2300cfs |
Prairie Creek Nr Silver Creek Nebr
|
5cfs |
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.
Bur Oak G-3