Walnut Creek 5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Walnut Creek 5 is a crucial water resource infrastructure located in Lancaster, Nebraska, designed by USDA NRCS to serve the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1980, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet, with a hydraulic height of 25 feet and a structural height of 32 feet. It spans 655 feet in length and provides a storage capacity of 323 acre-feet to help manage water flow in the area. The dam is state-regulated and inspected regularly by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to ensure its satisfactory condition and significant hazard potential.

Situated along the TR-Walnut Creek, Walnut Creek 5 plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events. With a drainage area of 0.7 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 788 cubic feet per second, this infrastructure contributes to the overall water management strategy in the region. The dam's core structure is made of stone, supported by a soil foundation, and it covers a surface area of 9 acres. Despite its age, Walnut Creek 5 continues to meet regulatory standards and serves as a reliable flood control mechanism for the residents of Crete, Nebraska.

Maintaining a satisfactory condition assessment and a risk management plan, Walnut Creek 5 exemplifies the effective collaboration between local government agencies and the USDA NRCS in safeguarding the community against potential water-related disasters. With its strategic location, design, and operational efficiency, this earth dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive water resource management in mitigating climate-related risks and preserving the ecological balance of the region.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

655

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-WALNUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

323

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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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.