Spring Creek 5-3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Spring Creek 5-2 Spring Creek 6-A
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Spring Creek 5-3, located in Johnson County, Nebraska, is a locally-owned earth dam built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 22 feet with a structural height of 24 feet, this dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction. With a normal storage capacity of 20 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2800 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Spring Creek 5-3 has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of its last inspection in June 2016. With a drainage area of 0.7 square miles and a storage capacity of 89 acre-feet, this dam helps mitigate flooding risks in the region. The dam is part of the TR-Spring Creek watershed and is regulated by the NE DNR, ensuring its compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
As a key infrastructure for water management in the area, Spring Creek 5-3 provides essential flood protection and water storage capabilities. With its stone core and soil foundation, this dam exemplifies engineering excellence in balancing water resource needs with environmental considerations. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the vital role this dam plays in safeguarding communities and ecosystems in Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SPRING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
89 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Nemaha River At Auburn
|
82cfs |
Missouri River At Nebraska City
|
22500cfs |
North Fork Big Nemaha River At Humboldt
|
67cfs |
Weeping Water Creek At Union
|
20cfs |
Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg
|
1350cfs |
Salt Creek At Roca
|
5cfs |
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.
Spring Creek 5-3