Cottonmill Dam
Key Takeaway
Cottonmill Dam is classified as significant hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 8 ft (taller than 0.2% in NE) |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 302 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 178 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 42 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 145 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| NID ID | NE00590 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
City of Kearney
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Rolling Hills Dam
Buffalo, NE
Significant Hazard 8 ftCottonmill Lake Sediment Disposal Dam
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Low Hazard 41 ftLighthouse Point Dam
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Significant Hazard 15 ftPatterson Dam
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Low Hazard 23 ftKearney Dam
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High Hazard 27 ft4th Avenue Storm Detention Dam
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High Hazard 19 ftStoneridge Dam
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High Hazard 12 ftHadwiger Dam
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Low Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cottonmill Dam?
Cottonmill Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Cottonmill Dam?
Cottonmill Dam is owned by City of Kearney (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cottonmill Dam built?
Cottonmill Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Cottonmill Dam?
Cottonmill Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cottonmill Dam?
Cottonmill Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Cottonmill Dam last inspected?
Cottonmill Dam was last inspected on April 5, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.