Papio Creek W-3

TR-BIG PAPIO CREEK· Washington, Nebraska· Built 1983· Earth· 45 ft tall
High Hazard Other Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Papio Creek W-3 is classified as high hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1983 and is 43 years old. Its primary use is other. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 45 ft (taller than 94.4% in NE)
Dam Length1,110 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage270 acre-ft
Normal Storage14 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge3,343 cfs
Year Completed1983 (43 years old)
Year Modified2011
NID IDNE01883

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 24, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Papio Missouri River Natural Resources District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Papio Creek W-3?

Papio Creek W-3 is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Papio Creek W-3?

Papio Creek W-3 is owned by Papio Missouri River Natural Resources District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Papio Creek W-3 built?

Papio Creek W-3 was completed in 1983, making it 43 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Papio Creek W-3?

Papio Creek W-3 serves the following purposes: Other, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Papio Creek W-3?

Papio Creek W-3 has a dam height of 45 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Papio Creek W-3 last inspected?

Papio Creek W-3 was last inspected on October 24, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.