Maple Creek Recreation Area Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Maple Creek Recreation Area Dam in Nebraska is a local government-owned structure designed by Olsson Associates to serve primarily for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 2010, this earth dam stands at a height of 49.6 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 8118 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 1178.7 acre-feet. The dam's location on the West Fork of Maple Creek in Colfax County offers a surface area of 154.1 acres and serves a drainage area of 10.9 square miles.

With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2020, Maple Creek Recreation Area Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. The dam's purpose extends beyond flood risk reduction to include recreation, making it a valuable resource for the local community in Leigh. The dam's inspection frequency is set at one year, ensuring ongoing safety and maintenance protocols are adhered to.

Maple Creek Recreation Area Dam's significance lies in its role in protecting the surrounding area from flooding while also providing a recreational space for residents and visitors to enjoy. As a vital part of the local infrastructure, the dam's construction, design, and management are overseen by state regulatory agencies to ensure the safety and security of those who benefit from its presence.

Year Completed

2010

Dam Length

1555

Dam Height

49.6

River Or Stream

W FK MAPLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

154.1

Hydraulic Height

49.4

Drainage Area

10.9

Nid Storage

8118

Structural Height

55

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

55
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.