Aowa Creek 31-1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Aowa Creek 31-20a Aowa Creek 42-2
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Aowa Creek 31-1 is a key infrastructure managed by the local government in Dixon, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the NE DNR.
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Summary
This earth dam, completed in 1972, stands at a height of 38 feet and serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction. With a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.3 square miles, it plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
Located in the city of Ponca, Nebraska, Aowa Creek 31-1 is a low hazard potential structure with a poor condition assessment as of April 2020. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide essential water management functions, with a maximum discharge capability of 132 cfs. Its poor condition highlights the need for ongoing maintenance and inspection to ensure its effectiveness in the face of changing climate conditions and potential flood events.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Aowa Creek 31-1 serves as a vital asset in the region's water infrastructure, with a state-regulated status and regular inspection frequency. As climate change impacts intensify, the importance of maintaining and improving such structures becomes increasingly evident to ensure the resilience of communities and ecosystems in the face of evolving water resource challenges.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
38 |
River Or Stream |
TR-POWDER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
36 |
Drainage Area |
0.3 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
38 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Vermillion River Nr Vermillion Sd
|
33cfs |
Big Sioux River At Akron
|
816cfs |
Logan Creek At Wakefield
|
149cfs |
Missouri River At Sioux City
|
15100cfs |
Perry Creek Near Milnerville
|
25cfs |
Omaha Cr At Homer
|
45cfs |
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.
Aowa Creek 31-1
Powder Creek