Brule Creek 1-a

Brule Creek 1-a is an earth dam located in Keith County, Nebraska, built in 1970. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Brule Creek 1-a

The primary purpose of Brule Creek 1-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 Twin Platte Natural Resources District (local government). It impounds the Brule Canyon Creek near Brule.

The dam stands 69 feet tall and stretches 1,390 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 10 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,167 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 7 square miles. Completed in 1970, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/17/2024.

At 69 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Nebraska dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNebraska
CountyKeith
Nearest CityBrule
River/StreamBrule Canyon Creek
Coordinates41.11287, -101.91122

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height69 ft
Dam Height51 ft
Dam Length1,390 ft
Year Completed1970 (56 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage3,167 acre-ft
Max Storage3,167 acre-ft
Normal Storage70 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Max Discharge14,777 cfs

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerTwin Platte Natural Resources District
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection09/17/2024
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNE00211
Federal IDNE00211
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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