Smith Dam 331

TR-PLATTE RIVER· Butler, Nebraska· Built 1981· Earth· 23 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Smith Dam 331 is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1981 and is 45 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 39.7% in NE)
Dam Length260 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage68 acre-ft
Normal Storage45 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge227 cfs
Year Completed1981 (45 years old)
NID IDNE00331

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 7, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Marlene & Neil Kuhlman

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Smith Dam 331?

Smith Dam 331 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 Smith Dam 331?

Smith Dam 331 is owned by Marlene & Neil Kuhlman (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Smith Dam 331 built?

Smith Dam 331 was completed in 1981, making it 45 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 Smith Dam 331?

Smith Dam 331 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 Smith Dam 331?

Smith Dam 331 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 Smith Dam 331 last inspected?

Smith Dam 331 was last inspected on June 7, 2022. 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.