Bear - Pierce - Cedar 9-B Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bear - Pierce - Cedar 9-B is a local government-owned earth dam located in Blue Springs, Nebraska.


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Summary

Built in 1966 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along TR-Cedar Creek. With a height of 32 feet and a length of 1120 feet, it provides a maximum storage capacity of 993 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 108 acre-feet over a drainage area of 2.6 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition as of May 2020, indicating a need for maintenance and rehabilitation. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources regulates and inspects the dam periodically, ensuring its compliance with state standards for safety and operation. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, its inspection frequency is set at 5 years to monitor its structural integrity and performance.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of dams, the Bear - Pierce - Cedar 9-B presents a case study of a local government-owned structure designed for flood risk reduction in Nebraska. By understanding its design, construction, and current condition assessment, stakeholders can appreciate the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and functionality of such critical infrastructure for water management and protection against natural disasters.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1120

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR-CEDAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

2.6

Nid Storage

993

Structural Height

39

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

39
       
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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.