Buffalo Creek Gs-7 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Buffalo Creek Gs-7 is a local government-owned dam located in Cedar Creek, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 30 feet with a structural height of 32 feet and a hydraulic height of 27 feet. Completed in 1990, it serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 166 cubic feet per second.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Buffalo Creek Gs-7 is subject to regular inspections every five years to ensure its continued safe operation. The dam's drainage area spans 1.5 square miles, with no normal storage capacity or surface area specified. While the dam does not have spillways or outlet gates, it plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region, highlighting the importance of effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in safeguarding communities against natural disasters.

As part of the broader network of infrastructure designed to protect against flooding, Buffalo Creek Gs-7 stands as a vital asset in the region, contributing to the overall water resource management efforts in Sarpy County, Nebraska. Its construction and operation reflect the collaborative efforts between federal and local agencies to enhance community resilience and ensure the safety of residents in the face of potential climate-related challenges. With its history of successful flood risk reduction and ongoing regulatory oversight, Buffalo Creek Gs-7 serves as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource practices in building climate-adaptive communities.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

720

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-BUFFALO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.