Cow Creek 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cow Creek 2 Cow Creek 3
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Cow Creek 1 is a privately owned dam located in Cherry County, Nebraska, along the Cow Creek river.
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Summary
Built in 1998 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 11 feet and has a storage capacity of 164 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, it also serves other purposes and has a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in July 2020.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Cow Creek 1 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and is monitored regularly to prevent any risks to the surrounding area. With a drainage area of 10.5 square miles and a maximum discharge of 274 cubic feet per second, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Located in a rural area near Brewster, Cow Creek 1 is a vital infrastructure for water resource management in Cherry County. As a key component of flood risk reduction efforts, this dam provides essential storage capacity and protection to the local community. With its satisfactory condition, regular inspections, and state regulatory oversight, Cow Creek 1 stands as a reliable and effective structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and study.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
1011 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
COW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
10.5 |
Nid Storage |
164 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dismal River Near Thedford
|
271cfs |
Middle Loup River At Dunning
|
569cfs |
North Loup R At Brewster
|
630cfs |
Niobrara River Near Sparks
|
1100cfs |
Long Pine Creek Near Riverview
|
191cfs |
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.
Cow Creek 1