Upper Salt Creek 29-5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Salt Creek 29-5 is a significant earth dam located in Lancaster, Nebraska, designed by FYRA Engineering and the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

Built in 1960, this dam stands at 27.6 feet tall and has a hydraulic height of 21 feet, serving primarily for flood risk reduction purposes. With a storage capacity of 82.3 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.6 square miles, it plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Upper Salt Creek 29-5 is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. The dam's condition was assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in September 2016. It has a normal storage capacity of 6.3 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 322 cubic feet per second, providing vital flood control measures for the region.

Situated along the TR-OLIVE BR Salt Creek, Upper Salt Creek 29-5 is an essential infrastructure for water resource and climate management in the area. With its strategic location and design, this dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding communities from potential flooding events, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TR-OLIVE BR SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.3

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

82.3

Structural Height

27.6

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.