Upper Salt Creek 23-B Reservoir Report
Nearby: Urbach Dam 1 (Lower) Piening Dam 4411
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Upper Salt Creek 23-B is a key flood risk reduction infrastructure located in Lancaster, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the NE DNR.
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Summary
Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet, with a hydraulic height of 25 feet and a structural height of 29 feet. With a storage capacity of 444 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.2 square miles, it plays a crucial role in managing the flow of the TR-OLIVE BR SALT CREEK river or stream.
This dam, with a length of 1085 feet and a surface area of 15 acres, serves its primary purpose of flood risk reduction effectively. The inspection conducted in September 2016 deemed its condition as satisfactory, with a low hazard potential. Owned by the local government and situated in the city of SPRAGUE, this infrastructure undergoes regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement, ensuring its operational efficiency and safety. The dam's design by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflects a commitment to sustainable water resource management in the region.
With a maximum discharge capacity of 1000 cubic feet per second, Upper Salt Creek 23-B stands as a testament to responsible water infrastructure development in Nebraska. Managed by the Kansas City District and meeting state regulatory standards, this dam continues to be a vital asset in protecting the surrounding communities from potential flood events. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the significance of structures like Upper Salt Creek 23-B highlights the importance of proactive measures in mitigating the impact of changing weather patterns on our environment.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
1085 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-OLIVE BR SALT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
1.2 |
Nid Storage |
444 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
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 23-B
Area 5
Bluestem Lake State Recreation Area
Cottontail Natural Recreation Area
Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area
Pioneers Park
Olive Creek Lake Recreation Area