Upper Salt Creek 13-A Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Upper Salt Creek 13-A is a flood risk reduction dam located in Lancaster, Nebraska, along the TR-OLIVE BR SALT CREEK river.
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Summary
Built in 1959 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and has a length of 1007 feet, providing storage capacity of 521 acre-feet. The dam, designed for flood risk reduction, has a low hazard potential and was last inspected in May 2019, with a satisfactory condition assessment.
Owned by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Upper Salt Creek 13-A plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area. With a drainage area of 0.8 square miles and the capability to handle a maximum discharge of 6000 cubic feet per second, this dam serves as a valuable asset in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential flooding events. Despite its age, Upper Salt Creek 13-A continues to meet regulatory standards and remains a reliable structure for water resource management in the region.
With its strategic location and effective design, Upper Salt Creek 13-A exemplifies the importance of infrastructure in addressing climate-related challenges. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, structures like this earth dam are essential for protecting communities and minimizing the impact of flooding. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands as a testament to the proactive measures taken to enhance water resource resilience and ensure the safety of residents in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
1007 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TR-OLIVE BR SALT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
24 |
Hydraulic Height |
36 |
Drainage Area |
0.8 |
Nid Storage |
521 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Upper Salt Creek 13-A
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