Bear - Pierce - Cedar 8-C Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bear - Pierce - Cedar 8-C is a local government-owned earth dam located in Gage County, Nebraska, designed by USDA NRCS in 1977 for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 26 feet with a structural height of 27 feet and a length of 1034 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 1070 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with a hazard potential rated as low and a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2020.

Situated on Bear Creek in Nebraska, the Bear - Pierce - Cedar 8-C dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, with a drainage area of 2.9 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 656 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is maintained to meet state regulatory standards, ensuring its effectiveness in flood control. The dam's location in Gage County, near Beatrice, underscores its importance in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Bear - Pierce - Cedar 8-C dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and federal entities to mitigate flood risks and safeguard communities from water-related disasters. With a history of satisfactory condition assessments and regular inspections, this earth dam stands as a vital infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts, highlighting the intersection of engineering, environmental conservation, and public safety in managing water resources in Nebraska.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

1034

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

27

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

2.9

Nid Storage

1070

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.