Brownell Creek 2-A Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Brownell Creek 2-A is a vital earth dam located in Otoe County, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS in 1957 for flood risk reduction along the TR-Brownell Creek.


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Summary

This local government-owned structure stands at 34 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 33 feet, serving a drainage area of 0.4 square miles and providing a storage capacity of 132 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in May 2018.

Managed by the NE DNR, Brownell Creek 2-A is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies, ensuring its operational safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's location in TALMAGE, Nebraska, within the Kansas City District, makes it a key piece of infrastructure for water resource management in the region. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam spans 661 feet in length and covers a surface area of 5 acres, contributing to the overall water management strategy in the area.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Brownell Creek 2-A is crucial for sustainable water management practices. With a history of serving its community for over six decades, this earth dam continues to play a vital role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security for residents in Otoe County. By staying informed about the design, purpose, and condition of such infrastructure, enthusiasts can contribute to the ongoing effort to safeguard water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

661

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-BROWNELL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

132

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
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.