Wilson Creek 10-5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Wilson Creek 10-5 is a vital earth dam located in Otoe, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS to primarily serve flood risk reduction purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1980, this dam stands at a height of 24 feet with a hydraulic height of 22 feet, providing crucial storage of 105 acre-feet to manage water resources. With a drainage area of 0.4 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 472 cubic feet per second, Wilson Creek 10-5 plays a significant role in mitigating flood risks in the area.

Managed by the NE DNR and inspected every 5 years, Wilson Creek 10-5 is deemed to have a low hazard potential but poor condition as of the last assessment in 2016. Situated on the TR-N FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER, this dam covers a surface area of 7 acres and spans a length of 688 feet. Despite its condition assessment, Wilson Creek 10-5 continues to operate under the oversight of the local government, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and potential future improvements to ensure its effectiveness in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Wilson Creek 10-5 stands as a crucial infrastructure piece contributing to the overall flood risk reduction efforts in Nebraska. With its earth construction and stone core structure, this dam exemplifies the collaboration between local government agencies and federal entities like the USDA NRCS in managing water resources effectively. As discussions on climate change intensify, the maintenance and potential upgrades to Wilson Creek 10-5 will be key considerations to enhance its performance and resilience in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

688

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-N FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

105

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.