Wilson Creek 3-1a Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wilson Creek 3-1 Wilson Creek 3-2
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Wilson Creek 3-1a, located in Otoe, Nebraska, is a significant earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1976 for flood risk reduction along the TR-N FK Little Nemaha River.
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Summary
This structure spans 324 feet in length and stands at a height of 32 feet, with a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's current condition is assessed as poor according to a 2019 inspection, indicating a need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its long-term functionality.
Managed by the local government with regulatory oversight from the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Wilson Creek 3-1a plays a crucial role in water resource management within the region. The dam's primary purpose extends beyond flood risk reduction to include various other uses, highlighting its importance in maintaining water quality, regulating flow, and supporting ecological balance. Additionally, its proximity to Talmage underscores the critical role it plays in protecting local communities from potential flooding events.
As a key infrastructure asset in the area, Wilson Creek 3-1a is subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. The dam's design, construction, and regulatory oversight are all carried out by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, emphasizing the collaborative effort between federal and state agencies in managing water resources and mitigating climate-related risks in Nebraska. Moving forward, continued monitoring and maintenance of Wilson Creek 3-1a will be essential to safeguarding its function and enhancing overall water resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
324 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-N FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
3.9 |
Nid Storage |
62 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Missouri River At Nebraska City
|
22500cfs |
Weeping Water Creek At Union
|
20cfs |
Little Nemaha River At Auburn
|
82cfs |
Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg
|
1350cfs |
North Fork Big Nemaha River At Humboldt
|
67cfs |
Platte R At Louisville Ne
|
5580cfs |
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 |
|---|---|---|
Camp Woodmen
|
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Victorian Acres Campground
|
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Riverview Marina State Rec Area
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Wilson Creek 3-1a