Wilson Creek 8-h

Wilson Creek 8-h is an earth dam located in Otoe County, Nebraska, built in 1968. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Wilson Creek 8-h

The primary purpose of Wilson Creek 8-h 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 Nemaha Natural Resources District (local government). It impounds the Tr-n Fk Little Nemaha River near Ne Hwy 2 (4-lane Divided).

The dam stands 43 feet tall and stretches 1,126 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 21 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 697 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1968, 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 03/28/2024.

At 43 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.

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
CountyOtoe
Nearest CityNe Hwy 2 (4-lane Divided)
River/StreamTr-n Fk Little Nemaha River
Coordinates40.67398, -96.09304

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height43 ft
Dam Height34 ft
Dam Length1,126 ft
Year Completed1968 (58 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage697 acre-ft
Max Storage697 acre-ft
Normal Storage108 acre-ft
Surface Area21 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge3,601 cfs

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerNemaha Natural Resources District
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection03/28/2024
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNE00892
Federal IDNE00892
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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