Upper Salt Creek 27-A Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Upper Salt Creek 27-A is a vital earth dam located in Lancaster, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS in 1968 for flood risk reduction along the TR-OLIVE BR SALT CREEK.
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Summary
With a height of 26 feet and a length of 795 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 366 acre-feet to help manage the area's drainage and potential discharge of up to 1060 cubic feet per second. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its structural integrity and effectiveness in flood control.
Managed by local government authorities, Upper Salt Creek 27-A serves as a crucial infrastructure for mitigating flood risks in the region, with a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated. The dam covers a drainage area of 0.9 square miles and has a normal storage capacity of 63 acre-feet, helping to protect the surrounding area from potential inundation during heavy rainfall events. Despite being non-federal, the dam's strategic location and design make it a key component in the overall water resource management plan for the community, with regular inspections scheduled every 5 years to ensure its continued functionality.
With its primary purpose focused on flood risk reduction, Upper Salt Creek 27-A plays a crucial role in safeguarding the residents of Kramer, Nebraska, from the devastating impacts of flooding. The dam's stone core and soil foundation contribute to its stability, while its proximity to the Kansas City District ensures that it is well-maintained and regulated. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources in the region, the importance of structures like Upper Salt Creek 27-A in managing and adapting to changing weather patterns cannot be overstated, making it a cornerstone of water resource and climate resilience efforts in Lancaster County.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
795 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-OLIVE BR SALT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
0.9 |
Nid Storage |
366 |
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 27-A
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