Heaton Dam

BOX BUTTE CREEK· Sheridan, Nebraska· Built 1951· Earth· 13 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation State Government

Key Takeaway

Heaton Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1951 and is 75 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 5.4% in NE)
Dam Length334 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage292 acre-ft
Normal Storage44 acre-ft
Surface Area24 acres
Drainage Area197 sq mi
Max Discharge7,450 cfs
Year Completed1951 (75 years old)
NID IDNE00786

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 1, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Nebraska Board of Educational Lands & Funds

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Heaton Dam?

Heaton Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Heaton Dam?

Heaton Dam is owned by Nebraska Board of Educational Lands & Funds (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Heaton Dam built?

Heaton Dam was completed in 1951, making it 75 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 Heaton Dam?

Heaton Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Heaton Dam?

Heaton Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Heaton Dam last inspected?

Heaton Dam was last inspected on June 1, 2020. 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.