Walnut Creek 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Walnut Creek 1, located in Saline, Nebraska, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure designed by USDA NRCS in 1979.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a structural height of 28 feet, with a length of 805 feet and a storage capacity of 492 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential inundation during heavy rainfall events. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its functionality and safety.

With a significant hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Walnut Creek 1 plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 75 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 16 acres, serving a drainage area of 1.1 square miles. It has a maximum discharge capacity of 970 cubic feet per second, providing essential flood control measures for the community. The dam's last inspection in September 2020 deemed it to be in satisfactory condition, further highlighting its importance in maintaining the safety and security of the area.

Managed by the local government and situated in the Omaha District, Walnut Creek 1 is a key asset in the flood risk reduction infrastructure of Nebraska. With its strategic location along the TR-Walnut Creek, this earth dam continues to be a critical component in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events on the surrounding environment. Through regular inspections and enforcement measures, the dam ensures the protection of the community against potential flooding, showcasing its essential role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

805

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-WALNUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

1.1

Nid Storage

492

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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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.