Patterson Dam

TR-WOOD RIVER· Buffalo, Nebraska· Built 1937· Earth· 23 ft tall
Low Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Patterson Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 39.7% in NE)
Dam Length315 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage167 acre-ft
Normal Storage27 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1937 (89 years old)
NID IDNE01200

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 11, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Kearney Area Solid Waste Agency

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Patterson Dam?

Patterson 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 Patterson Dam?

Patterson Dam is owned by Kearney Area Solid Waste Agency (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Patterson Dam built?

Patterson Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Patterson Dam?

Patterson Dam 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 Patterson Dam?

Patterson Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Patterson Dam last inspected?

Patterson Dam was last inspected on June 11, 2019. 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.