Wilson Creek 5-J Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wilson Creek 5-C Wilson Creek 1-15
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Wilson Creek 5-J, located in Otoe, Nebraska, is a key flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This earth dam, completed in 1973, stands at a height of 29 feet and spans a length of 1068 feet, with a storage capacity of 423 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-FOX CREEK, with a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2018.
Managed by the local government, Wilson Creek 5-J plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events, with a normal storage capacity of 84 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.1 square miles. Despite its age, the dam has undergone regular inspections every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in April 2018. With state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, Wilson Creek 5-J is equipped to handle maximum discharge of 1466 cubic feet per second, ensuring the safety and security of the community in LORTON.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it's essential to recognize the significance of structures like Wilson Creek 5-J in mitigating flood risks and safeguarding local communities. With its strategic design, satisfactory condition assessment, and low hazard potential, this earth dam stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction efforts in Nebraska. The collaboration between the USDA NRCS, Nebraska DNR, and local government underscores the commitment to water resource management and climate resilience in the region, making Wilson Creek 5-J a vital asset in protecting against potential flood events along the TR-FOX CREEK.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
1068 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-FOX CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
1.1 |
Nid Storage |
423 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Missouri River At Nebraska City
|
22500cfs |
Weeping Water Creek At Union
|
20cfs |
Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg
|
1350cfs |
Little Nemaha River At Auburn
|
82cfs |
Platte R At Louisville Ne
|
5580cfs |
West Nishnabotna River At Randolph
|
532cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Camp Woodmen
|
||
Riverview Marina State Rec Area
|
||
Victorian Acres Campground
|
Wilson Creek 5-J