Wilson Creek 12-9b Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Wilson Creek 12-9b is a water resource structure located in Otoe, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the NE DNR.


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Summary

This earthen dam, completed in 1963, serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction and has a primary dam type of Earth with a stone core. Standing at 29 feet tall and stretching 580 feet in length, the dam holds a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet and covers a drainage area of 0.7 square miles along the TR-N FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER.

Despite its low hazard potential, Wilson Creek 12-9b is currently in poor condition as of the last inspection in May 2019. The structure is inspected every five years, and as a local government-owned asset, it plays a critical role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. With a history of federal funding and oversight from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, efforts may need to be made to ensure the structure's continued effectiveness in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water resource demands.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, Wilson Creek 12-9b stands as a significant infrastructure in Nebraska's flood risk reduction efforts. As enthusiasts and stakeholders in water resource management, understanding the condition and regulatory framework of structures like Wilson Creek 12-9b is essential for advocating for sustainable practices and ensuring the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

580

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-N FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

130

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.