Brownell Creek 13-4 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Brownell Creek 13-4 is a vital water resource structure located in Otoe, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the NE DNR.
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Summary
Completed in 1956, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction. With a normal storage capacity of 23 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating potential hazards.
Situated in the Kansas City District, Brownell Creek 13-4 spans 540 feet in length and covers a surface area of 4 acres. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity. With a maximum storage capacity of 49 acre-feet, this earth dam contributes to the overall water management efforts in the region, providing essential protection against potential flooding events and safeguarding the surrounding communities.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Brownell Creek 13-4 represents a significant infrastructure project that highlights the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and the USDA NRCS to enhance water management practices in Nebraska. As a regulated and inspected structure, this earth dam serves as a crucial component in the region's flood risk reduction strategy, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in mitigating environmental challenges and protecting communities from potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BROWNELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
49 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
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 13-4