Brownell Creek 4-1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Brownell Creek 4-1 is a local government-owned earth dam located in Talmage, Nebraska.
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Summary
Built in 1955 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves a primary purpose of flood risk reduction and is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. With a structural height of 33.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 24.59 feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow along the TR-Brownell Creek.
Covering a drainage area of 0.18 square miles, Brownell Creek 4-1 has a maximum storage capacity of 42.9 acre-feet and a normal storage of 9.5 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam contributes to water resource management in the region and highlights the importance of sustainable infrastructure for climate resilience.
As an integral component of the Kansas City District water infrastructure, Brownell Creek 4-1 serves as a vital resource for flood control and water management in Otoe County, Nebraska. With its stone core and soil foundation, this dam stands as a testament to collaborative efforts between local government and federal agencies to protect communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events and changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
520 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BROWNELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.25 |
Hydraulic Height |
24.59 |
Drainage Area |
0.18 |
Nid Storage |
42.9 |
Structural Height |
33.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Missouri River At Nebraska City
|
24100cfs |
Weeping Water Creek At Union
|
20cfs |
Little Nemaha River At Auburn
|
82cfs |
Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg
|
1190cfs |
Platte R At Louisville Ne
|
4630cfs |
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.
Brownell Creek 4-1