Cottonmill Dam
Cottonmill Dam is an earth dam located in Buffalo County, Nebraska, built in 1940. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Cottonmill Dam
The primary purpose of Cottonmill Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by City Of Kearney (local government). It impounds the Tr-platte River near Kearney.
The dam stands 8 feet tall and stretches 800 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 42 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 302 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1940, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 04/05/2023.
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 | Tr-platte River |
| Coordinates | 40.70208, -99.14324 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 8 ft |
| Dam Height | 8 ft |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 302 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 302 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 178 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 42 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 145 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | City of Kearney |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/05/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NE00590 |
| Federal ID | NE00590 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |