Buffalo City Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Buffalo City Dam, located in Otoe, Nebraska, is a crucial structure owned and regulated by the local government with oversight from the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Built in 1978 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 44 feet and spans 950 feet in length. It serves primarily for flood risk reduction along TR-Camp Creek, with a storage capacity of 285 acre-feet and a normal storage of 49 acre-feet.

Despite its fair condition assessment and low hazard potential, Buffalo City Dam is subject to regular inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's spillway type, width, and any associated locks are not specified in the data, but its maximum discharge capacity reaches 184 cubic feet per second. The dam's location within the Kansas City District underlines its significance in mitigating flood risks and safeguarding the surrounding areas.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts would appreciate Buffalo City Dam as a critical infrastructure designed to protect against flooding and manage water flow effectively. With its historical completion in 1978 and ongoing state regulatory oversight, the dam plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and resilience of the Brownville community and the broader Otoe County region in Nebraska.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

950

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

TR-CAMP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

42

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

285

Structural Height

45

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

45
       
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.