Ziegler Creek Z-5-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ziegler Creek Z-5-1 is a crucial water management structure located in Otoe County, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1968, serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction and water storage. With a height of 28.5 feet and a length of 254 feet, it has a storage capacity of 89.6 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6.99 acres, supporting a drainage area of 1.28 square miles.

Situated on the TR-Little Nemaha River, Ziegler Creek Z-5-1 plays a vital role in water resource management in the region, ensuring the safety of downstream areas while providing essential irrigation and conservation benefits. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, regular inspections and maintenance are carried out to uphold its structural integrity and operational efficiency. The dam's location in the Kansas City District underscores its significance in the broader water infrastructure network.

Managed by local government authorities, Ziegler Creek Z-5-1 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between federal agencies and state regulators in safeguarding water resources and mitigating climate-related risks. Its strategic design and operational oversight by the Natural Resources Conservation Service highlight the commitment to sustainable water management practices in Nebraska. As a cornerstone of water infrastructure, this dam exemplifies the intersection of environmental stewardship, engineering innovation, and community resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

254

Dam Height

28.5

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.99

Hydraulic Height

28.5

Drainage Area

1.28

Nid Storage

89.6

Structural Height

39

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

39
       
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.