Dry Creek South 4-A Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dry Creek South 4-A is a local government-owned earth dam located in Red Willow, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS with the primary purpose of Flood Risk Reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1965, this dam stands at a height of 34 feet with a hydraulic height of 32 feet and a structural height of 42 feet. It has a length of 622 feet and a storage capacity of 546 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 3.1 square miles.

Managed by the NE DNR, this dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in May 2019. With a normal storage capacity of 97 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1327 cubic feet per second, Dry Creek South 4-A plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. While it does not have a spillway or outlet gates, this dam continues to be regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality for the community.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dry Creek South 4-A offers a fascinating example of local government infrastructure designed for flood risk reduction in Nebraska. With its earth dam structure and stone core, this facility provides essential storage and discharge capabilities to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. As it continues to be monitored and maintained by state regulators, this dam stands as a vital asset in safeguarding the community against water-related hazards and underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

622

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

3.1

Nid Storage

546

Structural Height

42

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

42
       
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.