The dam was slated for repair after examinations by USBR crews in October 2009 discovered a sinkhole on the face of the dam. Subsequent investigations revealed embankment cracking, prompting USBR to lower Hugh Butler Lake, which is impounded by Red Willow Dam.
The dam is an earthfill embankment with a structural height of 126ft that, when in operation, forms a reservoir of 86,630 acre ft. An ungated concrete spillway is located in the right abutment. An outlet works through the base of the dam provides for river and irrigation releases for downstream diversions.
