Liberty Creek West Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Deweese, Nebraska, the Liberty Creek West Dam is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks in the area.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1988, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a hydraulic height of 24 feet, providing essential flood risk reduction measures for the surrounding community. With a storage capacity of 317 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.7 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the Liberty Creek West Dam is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2020, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose effectively. Despite not having a spillway, the dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding the community and surrounding areas from potential flooding events.

As a key component in the flood risk reduction strategy for Webster County, Nebraska, the Liberty Creek West Dam serves as a testament to the importance of proactive water resource management in mitigating climate-related challenges. With its strategic location on Liberty Creek and efficient design by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands as a reliable barrier against potential flooding events, safeguarding the community and infrastructure downstream. Through regular inspections and adherence to state regulations, the dam continues to play a crucial role in protecting the area from water-related risks.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

1135

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

LIBERTY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

317

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.