Plum Creek 3-1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Plum Creek 3-2 Plum Creek 3-B
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Plum Creek 3-1 is a crucial water resource structure located in Pawnee, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
This earth dam, constructed in 1966, stands at a height of 24 feet and spans 645 feet in length. It plays a vital role in managing water flow in the TR-PLUM CREEK stream, with a maximum discharge capacity of 305 cubic feet per second. Despite its importance, the dam is currently rated as having a poor condition assessment, highlighting the need for maintenance and upkeep to ensure its continued effectiveness.
Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Plum Creek 3-1 serves as a key component in the state's water management infrastructure. With a low hazard potential but poor condition assessment, there is a pressing need for inspection and maintenance to address any potential risks or vulnerabilities. The dam's normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet provides essential flood protection for the surrounding area, underscoring its importance in safeguarding communities and properties from water-related disasters.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, structures like Plum Creek 3-1 play a vital role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security for local residents. With a history of federal funding and oversight from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, it is crucial for stakeholders to prioritize the maintenance and improvement of this dam to uphold its functionality and resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
645 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PLUM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
86 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Blue R At Barneston Nebr
|
131cfs |
Big Blue R At Marysville
|
147cfs |
Turkey C Nr Seneca
|
16cfs |
North Fork Big Nemaha River At Humboldt
|
67cfs |
Turkey Creek Near De Witt
|
10cfs |
Black Vermillion R Nr Frankfort
|
37cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Burchard Lake State Wildlife Area
|
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Rockford Lake State Rec Area
|
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Feits Memorial Park
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Plum Creek 3-1