South Branch 52 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

South Branch 52 is a local government-owned earth dam located in Brock, Nebraska, along the TR-Muddy Creek.


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Summary

Built in 2000 by the USDA NRCS, this structure serves as a flood risk reduction measure with a primary purpose of mitigating potential flooding in the area. Standing at a height of 37 feet and a length of 882 feet, South Branch 52 has a maximum storage capacity of 449 acre-feet and a normal storage of 105 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 17 acres.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, South Branch 52 has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in September 2016. The dam is regularly inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and effectiveness in flood risk reduction. With a drainage area of 1.8 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 652 cubic feet per second, South Branch 52 plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential water-related disasters.

Located in Otoe County, Nebraska, South Branch 52 is a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, providing both flood protection and water storage capabilities. As a significant project designed and constructed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands as a testament to proactive climate and water resource management in the region. Climate and water enthusiasts will appreciate the strategic placement and functionality of South Branch 52 in safeguarding the community and ensuring sustainable water resource management in the face of changing weather patterns and potential flood risks.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

882

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

TR-MUDDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

1.8

Nid Storage

449

Structural Height

41

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

41
       
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.