Buffalo Creek B-3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Peden Dam 1 Peden Dam 2
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Buffalo Creek B-3 is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Dawson, Nebraska, along the W Buffalo Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1980, this earth dam stands at a height of 44 feet and has a structural height of 50 feet, providing storage capacity of 4003 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 523 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 11308 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a significant role in managing flood risks in the area.
Owned and regulated by the local government with oversight from the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Buffalo Creek B-3 is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity. The dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, yet its condition assessment in September 2020 was deemed satisfactory. With a history of successful flood risk reduction and a satisfactory condition, Buffalo Creek B-3 serves as a vital infrastructure in protecting the surrounding communities from potential flooding events.
Located in Congressional District 03, Nebraska, Buffalo Creek B-3 is an essential component of the region's water resource management. With its impressive dam length of 1420 feet and drainage area of 18.2 square miles, this structure plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local area from potential flood hazards. As climate change continues to impact water resources, Buffalo Creek B-3 stands as a reliable asset in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of nearby residents.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
1420 |
Dam Height |
44 |
River Or Stream |
W BUFFALO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
88 |
Hydraulic Height |
43 |
Drainage Area |
18.2 |
Nid Storage |
4003 |
Structural Height |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
50 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spring Creek Nr Overton
|
7cfs |
Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr
|
3cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1870cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
1370cfs |
Platte River Near Kearney
|
1570cfs |
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 B-3