Cottonmill Lake Sediment Disposal Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cottonmill Dam Rolling Hills Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Buffalo County, Nebraska, the Cottonmill Lake Sediment Disposal Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management.
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Summary
Built in 1997 with a height of 41 feet and a length of 515 feet, this earth dam primarily serves as a sediment disposal site for the nearby Cottonmill Lake. Managed by the local government, this dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its structural integrity and safety.
With a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.01 square miles, the Cottonmill Lake Sediment Disposal Dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and sediment deposition in the area. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and potential improvements in the future. Emergency action protocols have not been established, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk assessment and management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and environment.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the Cottonmill Lake Sediment Disposal Dam serves as a vital component in the local water management system. With a focus on sediment disposal and water flow regulation, this dam showcases the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and engineering firms like Nickel Engineering Inc. As discussions around climate resilience and water sustainability gain prominence, the maintenance and upkeep of structures like the Cottonmill Lake Sediment Disposal Dam will be crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1997 |
Dam Length |
515 |
Dam Height |
41 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PLATTE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
41 |
Drainage Area |
0.01 |
Nid Storage |
52 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
41 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Platte River Near Kearney
|
928cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
1280cfs |
Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr
|
3cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1390cfs |
Spring Creek Nr Overton
|
7cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Union Pacific State Rec Area
|
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Fort Kearny State Rec Area
|
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Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area
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Cottonmill Lake Sediment Disposal Dam
Cottonmill