Upper Medicine Creek 410 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Medicine Creek 410 is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Curtis, Nebraska, along the North Brushy Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1976 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 70 feet and has a storage capacity of 5997 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 33.7 square miles, the dam plays a significant role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Upper Medicine Creek 410 is classified as a significant hazard potential structure with a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2018. The dam has a hydraulic height of 68 feet and a structural height of 70 feet, providing vital flood protection to the local community. With a maximum discharge capacity of 19909 cubic feet per second, the dam is designed to handle large volumes of water during high-flow events.

As a key element in the flood risk reduction strategy for the region, Upper Medicine Creek 410 undergoes regular inspections and is regulated by the Nebraska DNR. With a focus on ensuring public safety and protecting property from potential flood damage, this earth dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Frontier County, Nebraska.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

975

Dam Height

69

River Or Stream

N BRUSHY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

68

Drainage Area

33.7

Nid Storage

5997

Structural Height

70

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

70
       
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.