Aowa Creek 1-3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Aowa Creek 1-3 is a vital water resource structure located in Dixon, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1981.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet, with a hydraulic height of 36 feet and a structural height of 44 feet, serving the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a storage capacity of 34 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.5 square miles, this dam plays a critical role in managing water flow and mitigating potential flood risks in the area.

Operated and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Aowa Creek 1-3 has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, as assessed during the last inspection in November 2018. The dam spans 327 feet in length and has a normal storage capacity of 5 acre-feet, supporting the local community's water resource needs. With a maximum discharge capacity of 215 cubic feet per second, this structure is equipped to handle varying water flow conditions and contribute to the overall water management efforts in the region.

As a key infrastructure managed by the local government, Aowa Creek 1-3 stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience in Nebraska. With state-regulated permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place, this dam continues to serve as a critical asset for flood risk reduction and water storage, showcasing the collaborative efforts between agencies like the Nebraska DNR and the NRCS in safeguarding the community's water resources and ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

327

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

TR-AOWA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

34

Structural Height

44

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

44
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.