Cow Creek 4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cow Creek 3 Cow Creek 2
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Cow Creek 4, located in Cherry County, Nebraska, is a privately owned Earth dam constructed in 1998 by USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction purposes.
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Summary
This 21-foot tall structure on the Cow Creek river has a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 13.4 square miles. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in July 2020.
Managed by private owners, Cow Creek 4 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region and maintaining water resources for agricultural and environmental purposes. Its stone core and soil foundation contribute to its structural integrity, while the dam's 569-foot length and 8-acre surface area provide ample protection for the surrounding area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is equipped with a 235 cubic feet per second maximum discharge capacity to manage excess water flow during heavy rainfall events.
Adrian Smith (R) represents the district where Cow Creek 4 is located, ensuring congressional oversight and support for the dam's operations and maintenance. With a 10-year inspection frequency and a geographical location in Brewster, Nebraska, Cow Creek 4 stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
569 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
COW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
13.4 |
Nid Storage |
74 |
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 4