Sweeney Dam

TR-SPRING CREEK· Phelps, Nebraska· Built 1960· Earth· 18 ft tall
Low Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Private

Key Takeaway

Sweeney Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 20.6% in NE)
Dam Length220 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage73 acre-ft
Normal Storage46 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDNE03548

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: December 12, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Mark L Sweeney Trust

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sweeney Dam?

Sweeney 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 Sweeney Dam?

Sweeney Dam is owned by Mark L Sweeney Trust (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sweeney Dam built?

Sweeney Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Sweeney Dam?

Sweeney 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 Sweeney Dam?

Sweeney Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Sweeney Dam last inspected?

Sweeney Dam was last inspected on December 12, 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.