Upper Salt Creek 5-A Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Salt Creek 5-A is a local government-owned earth dam located in Lancaster, Nebraska, along the TR-Spring Branch of Salt Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1956 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at 30 feet high and serves as a flood risk reduction structure in the area. With a normal storage capacity of 42 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 350 cubic feet per second, Upper Salt Creek 5-A plays a crucial role in managing water resources and protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Upper Salt Creek 5-A has a low hazard potential and was last inspected in March 2018, with a satisfactory condition assessment. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it has a drainage area of 1.9 square miles. With a history of regular inspections and maintenance, this structure ensures the safety and well-being of residents in the area. Overall, Upper Salt Creek 5-A stands as a reliable and essential component of the local water resource management system, showcasing the importance of proactive infrastructure in mitigating climate-related risks.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

875

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-SPRING BR SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

1.9

Nid Storage

681

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.