Rock Creek 21-A Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rock Creek 22-A Rock Creek 24-A
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Rock Creek 21-A is a local government-owned dam in Pawnee, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
Completed in 1974, this earth dam stands at 37 feet tall and spans 905 feet in length, providing flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. With a maximum storage capacity of 668 acre-feet and a normal storage of 69 acre-feet, this dam covers a surface area of 14 acres and drains a 2-square mile watershed.
Located in the Omaha District, Rock Creek 21-A has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of its last inspection in June 2016. The dam has a hydraulic height of 35 feet and a structural height of 37 feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 788 cubic feet per second. While the dam lacks certain features such as a spillway, outlet gates, and locks, it serves its primary purpose effectively and is subject to regular state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the valuable flood risk reduction provided by Rock Creek 21-A, as well as its role in managing water flow in the TR-Rock Creek watershed. With its solid design and satisfactory condition, this dam continues to be a critical infrastructure for safeguarding the local community against potential flooding events. Its partnership between local government ownership and USDA NRCS design showcases the collaborative efforts needed to protect water resources and adapt to changing climate conditions in Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
905 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ROCK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
668 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Blue R At Barneston Nebr
|
131cfs |
North Fork Big Nemaha River At Humboldt
|
67cfs |
Turkey C Nr Seneca
|
16cfs |
Little Nemaha River At Auburn
|
82cfs |
Big Blue R At Marysville
|
171cfs |
Turkey Creek Near De Witt
|
10cfs |
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.
Rock Creek 21-A