Plum Creek 4-C Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Plum Creek 4-C, located in Pawnee, Nebraska, is a local government-owned Earth dam designed by USDA NRCS in 1976 for flood risk reduction along the TR-PLUM CREEK river.


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Summary

Standing at 43 feet in height with a capacity of 913 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Plum Creek 4-C is state-regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and functionality.

With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Plum Creek 4-C is deemed structurally sound and capable of effectively managing flood risks in the region. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a vital infrastructure for protecting the local community and environment from the impacts of severe weather events. The dam's location, design, and maintenance reflect a commitment to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in Nebraska, showcasing the importance of well-maintained infrastructure in safeguarding against natural disasters.

As a key component of the flood risk reduction strategy in Pawnee County, Plum Creek 4-C stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of local government, USDA NRCS, and state regulatory agencies in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the threats of extreme weather events. Its satisfactory condition, regular inspections, and low hazard potential underscore the importance of proactive water resource management in mitigating climate-related risks and ensuring the long-term resilience of Nebraska's infrastructure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Plum Creek 4-C serves as a noteworthy example of effective dam infrastructure designed to protect against the impacts of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

1035

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

TR-PLUM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

42

Drainage Area

2.5

Nid Storage

913

Structural Height

46

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

46
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.