Upper Salt Creek 5-9 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Salt Creek 5-9 is a dam located in Lancaster, Nebraska, that serves as a vital component in flood risk reduction for the area.


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Summary

Constructed in 1958 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth type dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet. The dam is designed to manage the flow of TR-SPRING BR SALT CREEK, with a drainage area of 0.3 square miles and a maximum discharge of 100 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Upper Salt Creek 5-9 has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2016. With a structural height of 23 feet and a hydraulic height of 19 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Its primary purpose, in addition to flood risk reduction, includes other water resource management activities.

Overall, Upper Salt Creek 5-9 stands as a testament to the importance of proper water resource infrastructure in mitigating the impacts of climate change. With its efficient design and satisfactory condition, this dam continues to serve the community of SPRAGUE, Nebraska, providing essential protection and water management capabilities for the region.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-SPRING BR SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

68

Structural Height

23

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.