Bear - Pierce - Cedar 7-J Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Bear - Pierce - Cedar 7-J is a notable earth dam located in Gage, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1970 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Bear Creek.
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Summary
This dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 1069 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1110 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 2.8 square miles. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, this structure is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and functionality in mitigating flood risks.
Owned and operated by the local government, Bear - Pierce - Cedar 7-J is situated in a crucial location to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding, with a maximum discharge capacity of 679 cubic feet per second. The dam's structure includes a stone core and soil foundation, with a hydraulic height of 27 feet and a surface area of 26 acres. Despite its age, this dam continues to serve its purpose effectively, meeting state regulatory standards and maintaining a normal storage level of 97 acre-feet. Its strategic placement and design by the Natural Resources Conservation Service highlight its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Nebraska.
As part of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in Gage County, Bear - Pierce - Cedar 7-J plays a vital role in safeguarding the local community from potential inundation events. With the oversight of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and regular state inspections, this earth dam ensures the protection of downstream areas along Bear Creek. Its satisfactory condition assessment and low hazard potential underscore its reliability in managing water resources and responding to the challenges posed by changing climate patterns. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bear - Pierce - Cedar 7-J stands as a testament to effective engineering and management practices in enhancing resilience against flood risks in Nebraska's landscape.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
1069 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
2.8 |
Nid Storage |
1110 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Bear - Pierce - Cedar 7-J