Plum Creek 4-F Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Plum Creek 4-F is a local government-owned earth dam located in Pawnee, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the NE DNR.


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Summary

Completed in 1969, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction for the surrounding area, with a height of 45 feet and a hydraulic height of 41 feet. It has a storage capacity of 2185 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 55 acres, with a drainage area of 6.1 square miles. However, despite its critical role in flood control, Plum Creek 4-F has a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in June 2020.

Although Plum Creek 4-F has been deemed to have a high hazard potential, its poor condition assessment highlights the need for maintenance and potential rehabilitation to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction. The dam's location at the PAWNEE ROD & GUN CLUB along Tipps Creek makes it a key infrastructure for protecting the local community and environment from potential flooding events. With state regulation, inspection, and enforcement in place, there is a framework for addressing any issues with the dam and ensuring its safety and functionality in the face of climate change and increasing water resource challenges.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of structures like Plum Creek 4-F is crucial for promoting sustainable water management practices. By monitoring and maintaining dams like this one, we can better adapt to the changing climate and mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events. Collaborative efforts between local government, regulatory agencies, and the community will be essential in safeguarding our water resources and infrastructure for future generations.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

1030

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

TIPPS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

55

Hydraulic Height

41

Drainage Area

6.1

Nid Storage

2185

Structural Height

50

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

50
       
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.