Aowa Creek 31-20a Reservoir Report
Nearby: Aowa Creek 31-1 Aowa Creek 23-2
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Aowa Creek 31-20a is a local government-owned earth dam located in Dixon, Nebraska, near the city of Ponca.
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Summary
Constructed in 2003 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves as a critical flood risk reduction structure along Powder Creek, with a height of 51 feet and a storage capacity of 4,421 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to mitigate flood risks in the area, offering protection to nearby communities and agricultural lands.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Aowa Creek 31-20a has a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2019, with regular inspections conducted every three years due to its significant hazard potential. The dam has a structural height of 62 feet and a drainage area of 11.9 square miles, ensuring effective flood control measures in the region. Despite its remote location, this earth dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local environment and enhancing water resource management efforts in Nebraska.
With its stone core and soil foundation, Aowa Creek 31-20a represents a key infrastructure project in the area, overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. As a vital component of the state's flood risk reduction strategy, this dam showcases the collaborative efforts between federal and local agencies to address climate-related challenges and ensure the resilience of water resources in Nebraska. As climate change impacts continue to pose threats to the region, the importance of maintaining and enhancing structures like Aowa Creek 31-20a becomes increasingly apparent in safeguarding communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
2003 |
Dam Length |
1495 |
Dam Height |
51 |
River Or Stream |
POWDER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
108 |
Hydraulic Height |
50 |
Drainage Area |
11.9 |
Nid Storage |
4421 |
Structural Height |
62 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
62 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Vermillion River Nr Vermillion Sd
|
33cfs |
Logan Creek At Wakefield
|
149cfs |
Big Sioux River At Akron
|
816cfs |
Missouri River At Sioux City
|
15100cfs |
Perry Creek Near Milnerville
|
25cfs |
Omaha Cr At Homer
|
45cfs |
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.
Aowa Creek 31-20a
Powder Creek