Cottonwood Creek 21-A
Key Takeaway
Cottonwood Creek 21-A is classified as high hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1983 and is 43 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 37 ft (taller than 86.1% in NE) |
| Dam Length | 1,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 211 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 33 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,976 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1983 (43 years old) |
| NID ID | NE01887 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Lower Platte North Natural Resources District
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Cottonwood Creek 32-A
Saunders, NE
Low Hazard 27 ftCottonwood Creek 42-A
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Low Hazard 38 ftCottonwood Creek 22-A
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Low Hazard 42 ftBarry Dam
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Low Hazard 19 ftDuck Creek 6
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Low Hazard 30 ftCottonwood Creek 23-A
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Low Hazard 28 ftCottonwood Creek 41-A
Saunders, NE
Low Hazard 45 ftDuck Creek 3
Saunders, NE
Low Hazard 29 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cottonwood Creek 21-A?
Cottonwood Creek 21-A 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 Cottonwood Creek 21-A?
Cottonwood Creek 21-A is owned by Lower Platte North Natural Resources District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cottonwood Creek 21-A built?
Cottonwood Creek 21-A 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 Cottonwood Creek 21-A?
Cottonwood Creek 21-A serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cottonwood Creek 21-A?
Cottonwood Creek 21-A has a dam height of 37 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 Cottonwood Creek 21-A last inspected?
Cottonwood Creek 21-A was last inspected on April 20, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.