Lower Medicine Creek 160 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Davis Dam 719 Wood Dam 1460
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Frontier, Nebraska, Lower Medicine Creek 160 is a vital flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1979.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 73 feet and spans a length of 1276 feet, with a storage capacity of 10,686 acre-feet and a drainage area of 55.8 square miles. The dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood hazards in the region, with a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in April 2019.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Lower Medicine Creek 160 serves as a key component in the flood risk management strategy for the area. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a focus on protecting the surrounding community and infrastructure from potential inundation during heavy rainfall events. The dam's location on Cedar Creek underscores its importance in safeguarding the region against water-related disasters, with a maximum discharge capacity of 21,935 cubic feet per second to efficiently manage excess water flow.
With its stone core and soil foundation, Lower Medicine Creek 160 stands as a testament to effective water resource management in Nebraska. The dam's role in flood risk reduction, coupled with its satisfactory condition and regular inspections, highlights its significance in ensuring the safety and resilience of the local community. As a crucial piece of infrastructure in the region, this earth dam continues to play a vital role in protecting lives and property from the impacts of extreme weather events, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
1276 |
Dam Height |
73 |
River Or Stream |
CEDAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
71 |
Drainage Area |
55.8 |
Nid Storage |
10686 |
Structural Height |
73 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
73 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Lower Medicine Creek 160