Upper Salt Creek 9-3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Salt Creek 9-3 is a local government-owned earth dam situated in Lancaster, Nebraska, along the TR-E BR Salt Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 1956 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 32 feet with a hydraulic height of 30 feet and a structural height of 35 feet. With a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction and other associated functions. The dam covers a surface area of 6 acres and has a drainage area of 0.2 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 200 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Upper Salt Creek 9-3 has been assessed to have a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2017. The dam has a history of state regulation and inspection, with enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its age, Upper Salt Creek 9-3 continues to provide critical flood risk reduction benefits to the surrounding area, showcasing the importance of proper dam maintenance and oversight in water resource management. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as a noteworthy example of effective infrastructure for mitigating flood risks in the region.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

646

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR-E BR SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

82

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.