Cottonwood Creek 7-A Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cottonwood Creek 6-B Duck Creek 2
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Cottonwood Creek 7-A in Saunders, Nebraska, is a crucial earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1989, this dam stands at a height of 62 feet and has a storage capacity of 2984 acre-feet, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a drainage area of 5.4 square miles and a maximum discharge of 13282 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the region.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Cottonwood Creek 7-A has a satisfactory condition assessment and a high hazard potential. The dam's last inspection in May 2020 showed that it meets safety guidelines, providing confidence in its ability to withstand potential emergencies. With a history of successful flood risk reduction and operational stability, this structure remains a critical component of water resource management in the area, contributing to the overall resilience of the community in the face of changing climate patterns.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, structures like Cottonwood Creek 7-A play a vital role in mitigating flood risks and protecting communities. With its strategic location on Cottonwood Creek and efficient design by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management practices. Moving forward, ongoing inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness will be key to ensuring the continued effectiveness of Cottonwood Creek 7-A in safeguarding the local area from the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1989 |
Dam Length |
1645 |
Dam Height |
58 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
74 |
Hydraulic Height |
56 |
Drainage Area |
5.4 |
Nid Storage |
2984 |
Structural Height |
62 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
62 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Lehigh River At Glendon
|
826cfs |
Bushkill Creek Ab Rt 33 Bridge At Tatamy
|
106cfs |
Musconetcong River Near Bloomsbury Nj
|
67cfs |
Monocacy Creek At Bethlehem
|
20cfs |
Lehigh River At Bethlehem
|
743cfs |
Delaware River At Belvidere Nj
|
1680cfs |
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.
Cottonwood Creek 7-A
Easton Launch