Lower Medicine Creek 160

About Lower Medicine Creek 160

The primary purpose of Lower Medicine Creek 160 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 Middle Republican Natural Resources District (local government). It impounds the Cedar Creek near Cambridge.

The dam stands 73 feet tall and stretches 1,276 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 9 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 10,686 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 55 square miles. Completed in 1979, the structure is 47 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 07/21/2022.

At 73 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.

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