Dorchester 2-a is an earth dam located in Saline County, Nebraska, built in 1966. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 36 ft36 ft tall and 695 ft long, taller than 82% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Dorchester 2-a
The primary purpose of Dorchester 2-a is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (local government). It impounds the Tr-w Fk Big Blue River near Crete.
The dam stands 36 feet tall and stretches 695 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 21 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 558 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1966, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 05/13/2021.
At 36 feet, this dam is taller than 82% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Nebraska |
| County | Saline |
| Nearest City | Crete |
| River/Stream | Tr-w Fk Big Blue River |
| Coordinates | 40.67648, -97.10193 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 36 ft |
| Dam Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Length | 695 ft |
| Year Completed | 1966 (60 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 558 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 558 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 125 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 21 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 706 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/13/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NE00037 |
| Federal ID | NE00037 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |