Cow Creek 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cow Creek 2 Cow Creek 4
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Cow Creek 3 is a private dam located in Brewster, Cherry County, Nebraska, designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1998 for flood risk reduction.
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Summary
It stands at a height of 20 feet with a dam length of 1075 feet, providing a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. The dam, primarily made of earth and stone materials, has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in July 2020.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Cow Creek 3 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Situated on the Cow Creek stream, the dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, contributing to a drainage area of 13.2 square miles. The structure's location in a rural area with a normal storage capacity of 23 acre-feet highlights its importance in managing water resources and mitigating potential risks in the region.
With a focus on maintaining public safety and managing water resources effectively, Cow Creek 3 plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and community resilience. Its design, construction, and regulatory oversight reflect a commitment to sustainable water management practices, making it a significant asset in the region's efforts to adapt to changing climate conditions and ensure the safety of residents and infrastructure along the Cow Creek watershed.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
1075 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
COW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
13.2 |
Nid Storage |
75 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
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 3