Sand Creek 16 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sand Creek 15 Cottonwood Creek 7-A
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Sand Creek 16 is a local government-owned dam located in Wahoo, Nebraska, designed for flood risk reduction along the Sand Creek river.
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Summary
Completed in 2012, this earth dam stands at a height of 32.7 feet and has a hydraulic height of 25.45 feet, with a structural height of 42.7 feet. With a storage capacity of 1052.6 acre-feet and a normal storage of 127.6 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 28.98 acres and drains a 1.38 square mile watershed.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Sand Creek 16 has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2019. The dam underwent its last inspection in 2019 and is subject to regular state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area and protecting the surrounding communities from potential water-related disasters.
Situated within the Kansas City District and Congressional District 01 of Nebraska, Sand Creek 16 serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control and water resource management in Saunders County. With its strategic location and design, this dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change on local communities and ecosystems in Nebraska.
Year Completed |
2012 |
Dam Length |
1090 |
Dam Height |
32.7 |
River Or Stream |
Sand Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
28.98 |
Hydraulic Height |
25.45 |
Drainage Area |
1.38 |
Nid Storage |
1052.6 |
Structural Height |
42.7 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Platte River At North Bend
|
4920cfs |
Maple Creek Near Nickerson
|
60cfs |
Wahoo Creek At Ithaca
|
53cfs |
Platte River Nr Leshara
|
5270cfs |
Shell Creek Near Columbus
|
87cfs |
Rock Creek Near Ceresco
|
14cfs |
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.
Sand Creek 16