Bear - Pierce - Cedar 4-C Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bear - Pierce - Cedar 4-C is a crucial dam located in Gage, Nebraska, designed by USDA NRCS in 1969 for flood risk reduction along the TR-Pierce Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 395 acre-feet and a normal storage of 55 acre-feet. The dam spans 774 feet in length and has a drainage area of 0.8 square miles, serving as a key flood control structure in the region.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Bear - Pierce - Cedar 4-C has a low hazard potential and is rated in fair condition as of the last inspection in May 2016. With a hydraulic height of 22 feet and a structural height of 25 feet, the dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Despite its age, the dam remains an integral part of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in Nebraska.

Adrian Smith (R) represents the area in Congress where the dam is located, and the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers oversees its operations. With a history of effective flood control and a commitment to regular inspections and maintenance, Bear - Pierce - Cedar 4-C stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in mitigating the impact of climate change on our communities.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

774

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-PIERCE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

395

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.