Brownell Creek 7-A Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Brownell Creek 7-A, located in Otoe County, Nebraska, is a local government-owned earth dam designed by USDA NRCS to primarily reduce flood risk in the area.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1956, this dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a structural height of 32 feet, with a storage capacity of 116 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and potential improvements to ensure its continued effectiveness.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Brownell Creek 7-A is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to meet safety standards and protect the surrounding community from potential flooding events. With a drainage area of 0.4 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 47 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the Brownell Creek watershed. However, the dam's poor condition assessment highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term functionality and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Brownell Creek 7-A are essential for safeguarding communities against potential flood risks. With a focus on flood risk reduction, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure component in the region, requiring regular inspections and potentially upgrades to meet modern safety standards. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience, it is crucial to advocate for the proper management and maintenance of dams like Brownell Creek 7-A to protect both human lives and the environment from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

570

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-BROWNELL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

116

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.
View more

Nearby Reservoirs