Box Elder Creek 5-A is a local government-owned earth dam located in Buffalo County, Nebraska, specifically in the city of Shelton. Built in 1975 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Box Elder Creek. Standing at a height of 21 feet and with a structural length of 1484 feet, it has a storage capacity of 1907 acre-feet and a drainage area of 6.1 square miles.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Box Elder Creek 5-A has a significant hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in March 2020. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 5060 cubic feet per second and a normal storage level of 250 acre-feet. With a surface area of 76 acres, it plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area.

This dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring that it meets safety standards and is well-maintained to protect the surrounding community. With its strategic location and design, Box Elder Creek 5-A stands as a vital infrastructure for flood control in the region, highlighting the importance of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in safeguarding communities against natural disasters.