Upper Salt Creek 6-A Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Salt Creek 6-A is a flood risk reduction dam located in Lancaster, Nebraska, along the Spring Branch of Salt Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1966 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at 31 feet tall and spans 960 feet in length, providing crucial protection to the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 971 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.2 square miles, this dam plays a key role in managing water flow and reducing the risk of flooding in the region.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Upper Salt Creek 6-A has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition, as assessed in 2016. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it is inspected every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1850 cubic feet per second, this dam is equipped to handle significant water volumes during flood events, safeguarding the community and environment downstream.

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska DNR, Upper Salt Creek 6-A serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the area. Situated in a picturesque landscape with a surface area of 34 acres, this dam is not only a functional piece of engineering but also a vital component in the sustainable management of water resources and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

960

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

SPRING BR SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

34

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

2.2

Nid Storage

971

Structural Height

36

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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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.