Indian Creek 16-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Indian Creek 16-1 is a local government-owned earth dam located in Gage, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska DNR.


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Summary

Completed in 1954, this dam serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction, with a primary purpose classified as "Other." The dam stands at a height of 15.5 feet, with a hydraulic height of 13.8 feet and a structural height of 20.5 feet, providing a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 2 acres.

Situated on the TR-Possum Creek, Indian Creek 16-1 has a drainage area of 0.5 square miles and a maximum discharge of 335 cubic feet per second. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2018, this dam is inspected every 5 years to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness. Despite its modest size, Indian Creek 16-1 plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control in the region, reflecting the importance of such structures in mitigating the impacts of climate change on local communities.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Indian Creek 16-1 offers a fascinating case study of how local governments, federal agencies, and regulatory bodies collaborate to manage water infrastructure. With its earth dam construction and stone core design, this dam exemplifies the innovative engineering solutions implemented by the Natural Resources Conservation Service to address flooding risks and ensure water security. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the role of structures like Indian Creek 16-1 becomes increasingly vital in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

575

Dam Height

15.5

River Or Stream

TR-POSSUM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

13.8

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

94

Structural Height

20.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.