Upper Salt Creek 9-A Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Salt Creek 9-A is a local government-owned earth dam in Lancaster, Nebraska, designed by USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this dam stands at a height of 27 feet, with a hydraulic height of 26 feet and a structural height of 31 feet. It serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-E BR Salt Creek, with a storage capacity of 198 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.4 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2016, Upper Salt Creek 9-A undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness in flood control. The dam's normal storage capacity is 34 acre-feet, with a surface area of 8 acres and a maximum discharge rate of 1328 cubic feet per second. Located in the city of Hickman, this vital infrastructure plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding community from potential water-related disasters.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Upper Salt Creek 9-A is a key component of the flood risk reduction strategy in the area, supported by state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures. With its stone core and soil foundation, this earth dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between local government and federal agencies to safeguard water resources and enhance climate resilience in Nebraska.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

770

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-E BR SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

198

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.