Brownell Creek 3-6 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Brownell Creek 3-6, located in Otoe County, Nebraska, is a vital dam designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks and serve other purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet, with a hydraulic height of 31 feet and a length of 650 feet. It has a storage capacity of 107 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2 acres, draining a 0.5 square mile watershed.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Brownell Creek 3-6 has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in May 2016. The dam has a history of state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its structural integrity and functionality. With a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cfs, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events and demonstrates effective water resource management in the region.

Overall, Brownell Creek 3-6 showcases the collaboration between different agencies to provide effective flood risk reduction and water resource management in Nebraska. Its strategic location, design, and maintenance highlight the importance of infrastructure in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change on local communities. As a key component of the watershed, this dam serves as a testament to the proactive measures taken to ensure the safety and resilience of the region against potential water-related challenges.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

TR-BROWNELL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

107

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.