Wilson Creek 12-3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wilson Creek 12-2 Wilson Creek 2-14
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Wilson Creek 12-3 is a local government-owned earth dam located in Otoe, Nebraska, along the TR-N FK Little Nemaha River.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1962 by USDA NRCS, this structure serves primarily for flood risk reduction with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is in poor condition as of the last inspection in May 2017, raising concerns about its long-term reliability and effectiveness in managing water resources in the area.
The dam stands at a height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 27 feet, spanning a length of 493 feet. Its core is composed of stone and rests on a soil foundation, with a drainage area of 0.5 square miles. While it currently meets state regulation and inspection requirements, the dam's poor condition assessment and lack of emergency action plan preparedness highlight the need for proactive maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety and resilience of this critical water infrastructure.
With Jeff Fortenberry (R) as the representative for the area, stakeholders and water resource enthusiasts are encouraged to monitor updates on Wilson Creek 12-3 to support efforts in maintaining and improving the dam's performance. As climate change continues to impact water resources and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, investing in the resilience of aging infrastructure like Wilson Creek 12-3 is essential for safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the growing threats of flooding and water scarcity.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
493 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-N FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Weeping Water Creek At Union
|
20cfs |
Missouri River At Nebraska City
|
24100cfs |
Platte R At Louisville Ne
|
4630cfs |
Salt Creek At Greenwood
|
125cfs |
Platte R Nr Ashland
|
6290cfs |
Wahoo Cr At Ashland
|
78cfs |
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.
Wilson Creek 12-3