Kearney Dam
Kearney Dam is an earth dam located in Buffalo County, Nebraska, built in 1885. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Kearney Dam
The primary purpose of Kearney Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Nebraska Public Power District (public utility). It impounds the Kearney Canal Off Platte River near Kearney.
The dam stands 27 feet tall and stretches 995 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 25 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 194 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1885, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/27/2024.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Nebraska dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Nebraska |
| County | Buffalo |
| Nearest City | Kearney |
| River/Stream | Kearney Canal Off Platte River |
| Coordinates | 40.70411, -99.09834 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 27 ft |
| Dam Height | 27 ft |
| Dam Length | 995 ft |
| Year Completed | 1885 (141 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 194 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 194 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 99 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 25 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 600 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Nebraska Public Power District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/27/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NE00465 |
| Federal ID | NE00465 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |