Butterfield Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Coover Dam 2389 Clifton Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Butterfield Dam, located in Knox, Nebraska, is a private earth dam designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1985 for flood risk reduction and other purposes.
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Summary
This 32-foot tall structure has a hydraulic height of 19 feet and a length of 210 feet, with a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-MID BR VERDIGRE CREEK, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a low hazard potential but a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in April 2020.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Butterfield Dam is state-regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While it currently has poor condition assessment, necessary measures are likely being taken to improve its overall stability and functionality. With a maximum discharge capacity of 172 cubic feet per second and a drainage area of 1.8 square miles, this dam serves as a vital component in the local water management system, despite its condition assessment.
In the event of an emergency, it is essential for the dam to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, although the status of this plan for Butterfield Dam is currently unknown. With its strategic location and importance for flood risk reduction, Butterfield Dam stands as a key infrastructure for water resource management in Nebraska, showcasing the critical role of dams in mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring the safety and security of communities in the region.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
210 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MID BR VERDIGRE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
1.8 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Verdigre C Nr Verdigre
|
206cfs |
Niobrara River Nr. Verdel
|
517cfs |
Elkhorn River At Ewing
|
89cfs |
Bazile Creek At Center
|
85cfs |
Ponca Creek At Verdel
|
23cfs |
Bazile Creek Near Niobrara
|
192cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Butterfield Dam