Upper Medicine Creek 390-B Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Upper Medicine Creek 390-B is a significant earth dam located in Curtis, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the S Brushy Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1975, this dam stands at a height of 71 feet and has a storage capacity of 6494 acre-feet, serving the primary purpose of flood risk reduction in the region. The dam covers a drainage area of 34.3 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 23279 cubic feet per second, offering essential protection to the surrounding area.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Upper Medicine Creek 390-B is inspected every three years to ensure its structural integrity. With a satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2018, this dam has a significant hazard potential due to its size and location. Additionally, the dam has not been modified in recent years and does not fall under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, highlighting its importance in the local flood control infrastructure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the crucial role that Upper Medicine Creek 390-B plays in safeguarding the community from potential flood events. With its strategic location, impressive height, and substantial storage capacity, this earth dam serves as a vital asset in the flood risk reduction efforts in Frontier County, Nebraska. As a state-regulated structure with a satisfactory condition assessment, Upper Medicine Creek 390-B exemplifies successful collaboration between local government entities and the USDA NRCS in ensuring water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
818 |
Dam Height |
71 |
River Or Stream |
S BRUSHY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
71 |
Drainage Area |
34.3 |
Nid Storage |
6494 |
Structural Height |
77 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
77 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Upper Medicine Creek 390-B