Arbor Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Arbor Lake Dam, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, along the Little Salt Creek, was completed in 2012 by The Flatwater Group, Inc.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 8.5 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction for the area. With a maximum storage capacity of 140.3 acre-feet and a normal storage of 31.2 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events.

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Arbor Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2013. The dam spans a length of 1250 feet and covers a surface area of 44.9 acres, with a drainage area of 0.72 square miles. The dam's hydraulic height is 7.94 feet, and it is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 215 cubic feet per second, showcasing its capability to mitigate flood risks effectively.

Despite its modest size, Arbor Lake Dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the region and contributes to the overall climate resilience of the area. With its strategic location and design features, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events and ensuring the efficient utilization of water resources for the benefit of all.

Year Completed

2012

Dam Length

1250

Dam Height

8.5

River Or Stream

Little Salt Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

44.9

Hydraulic Height

7.94

Drainage Area

0.72

Nid Storage

140.3

Structural Height

8.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.