Big Indian Creek 16-C Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Big Indian Creek 16-C is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Gage, Nebraska, along Elm Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1974 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and spans 1813 feet, providing a storage capacity of 4617 acre-feet for floodwaters. With a drainage area of 17.5 square miles, the dam plays a significant role in mitigating flood risks in the area, with a maximum discharge capacity of 7909 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Big Indian Creek 16-C is inspected every three years and has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of June 2018. The dam has a hazard potential classified as significant, highlighting the importance of its role in managing floodwaters and protecting downstream areas. With its primary purpose being flood risk reduction, the dam continues to serve as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region.
As a key feature in the flood risk reduction infrastructure of Nebraska, Big Indian Creek 16-C contributes to the overall resilience of the area against potential flooding events. The earth dam, constructed with stone core and soil foundation, has a surface area of 77 acres and a normal storage capacity of 336 acre-feet, ensuring the effective management of floodwaters during peak discharge periods. With its location in NWS33T2R5E and under the oversight of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive water resource management in the face of climate variability and increasing flood risks.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
1813 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
ELM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
77 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
17.5 |
Nid Storage |
4617 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Blue R At Hollenberg
|
70cfs |
Big Blue R At Barneston Nebr
|
131cfs |
Little Blue River Near Fairbury
|
230cfs |
Turkey Creek Near De Witt
|
10cfs |
Big Blue R At Marysville
|
147cfs |
Mill C At Washington
|
8cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Diller City Park
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Big Indian NRD Rec Area
|
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Rock Creek Station State Rec Area
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Feits Memorial Park
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Big Indian Creek 16-C