Big Sandy Creek 35-5-2 (bruning Dam)
Big Sandy Creek 35-5-2 (bruning Dam) is an earth dam located in Fillmore County, Nebraska, built in 1984. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Big Sandy Creek 35-5-2 (bruning Dam)
The primary purpose of Big Sandy Creek 35-5-2 (bruning Dam) 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 Little Blue Natural Resources District (local government). It impounds the Tr-dry Sandy Creek near Alexandria.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 1,780 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 259 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 10,538 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 24 square miles. Completed in 1984, the structure is 42 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 09/10/2024.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 93% 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.
Location
| State | Nebraska |
| County | Fillmore |
| Nearest City | Alexandria |
| River/Stream | Tr-dry Sandy Creek |
| Coordinates | 40.35283, -97.50794 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,780 ft |
| Year Completed | 1984 (42 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 10,538 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 10,538 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,954 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 259 acres |
| Drainage Area | 24 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 9,075 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Little Blue Natural Resources District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/10/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NE02164 |
| Federal ID | NE02164 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |