Petersen Dam

TR-SAND CREEK· Kearney, Nebraska· Built 1964· Earth· 15 ft tall
Low Hazard Other Flood Risk Reduction Private

Key Takeaway

Petersen Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is other.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 10.3% in NE)
Dam Length90 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage140 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Max Discharge2,103 cfs
Year Completed1964 (62 years old)
NID IDNE00318

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: October 30, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Marvin & Bonita Shaw Rev Trusts

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Petersen Dam?

Petersen 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 Petersen Dam?

Petersen Dam is owned by Marvin & Bonita Shaw Rev Trusts (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Petersen Dam built?

Petersen Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Petersen Dam?

Petersen Dam 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 Petersen Dam?

Petersen Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Petersen Dam last inspected?

Petersen Dam was last inspected on October 30, 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.