Buffalo Creek F-1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Buffalo Creek F-1 is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Dawson County, Nebraska.
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Summary
Built in 1978 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a hydraulic height of 16 feet. With a storage capacity of 168 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Situated on TR-French Creek, it covers a drainage area of 1.1 square miles and has a maximum discharge of 67 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Buffalo Creek F-1 is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its structural integrity. The dam is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in November 2017, with a designated inspection frequency of every 5 years. While no emergency action plan has been prepared for this structure, it continues to meet regulatory standards set by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. With its primary purpose being flood risk reduction, Buffalo Creek F-1 serves as a crucial component of the local water resource management system in Nebraska.
Managed by local government authorities, Buffalo Creek F-1 is a key piece of infrastructure in the region, overseen by the Nebraska DNR. Located in Overton, this dam not only provides flood protection but also contributes to the overall water resource management in the area. With its earth construction and stone core, this structure stands as a testament to effective engineering and design, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community it serves.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
425 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-FRENCH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
1.1 |
Nid Storage |
168 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spring Creek Nr Overton
|
7cfs |
Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr
|
3cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1390cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
1280cfs |
Platte River Near Kearney
|
928cfs |
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.
Buffalo Creek F-1