Spring Creek 3-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Spring Creek 3-1 is a vital water resource structure located in Johnson, Nebraska, designed by USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1976, this earth dam stands at 24 feet high and spans 631 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 222 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 1.2 square miles. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, this dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

Situated in the Kansas City District, Spring Creek 3-1 plays a crucial role in managing water flow along TR-SPRING CREEK. Its structure, primarily composed of stone core and soil foundation, boasts a hydraulic height of 22 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 584 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam has undergone regular inspections every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in June 2016. With no emergency action plan in place, there is a potential for future risk management considerations to enhance its resilience in the face of climate change impacts.

As water resources and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of Spring Creek 3-1 in mitigating flood risks and safeguarding communities in TALMAGE, Nebraska, is paramount. With its critical role in flood control and water management, this local government-owned dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure in adapting to changing environmental conditions. By staying informed about the regulatory oversight, structural details, and risk assessment of Spring Creek 3-1, we can appreciate the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in safeguarding our natural landscapes for future generations.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

631

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TR-SPRING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

222

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.