Upper Salt Creek 11-A Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Salt Creek 11-A is a vital flood risk reduction infrastructure located in Lancaster, Nebraska.


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Summary

Constructed in 1958 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 28 feet high and spans 778 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet. The dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events, with a maximum discharge capacity of 2500 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Upper Salt Creek 11-A is classified as a low hazard potential structure with fair condition assessment. While its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, the dam also contributes to water resource management in the region by regulating the flow of Vanderbrink Creek. Despite its age, the dam continues to be inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and effectiveness in mitigating flood risks.

Located just 3 miles from Hickman, Nebraska, Upper Salt Creek 11-A serves as a testament to the importance of effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With its stone core and soil foundation, this dam stands as a symbol of collaboration between local government agencies and the USDA NRCS in safeguarding the community from potential flood hazards. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resource management, structures like Upper Salt Creek 11-A play a crucial role in enhancing resilience and protecting communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

778

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TR-VANDERBRINK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

300

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.