Phillips Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Phillips Dam, located in Rickardsville, Iowa, stands as a vital structure for fire protection and as a small fish pond.


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Summary

Constructed in 1999, this earth dam boasts a height of 29 feet and a length of 517 feet, providing a storage capacity of 91 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-N. F. Little Maquoketa River, the dam serves a drainage area of 0.61 square miles and covers a surface area of 4.9 acres.

Owned privately, Phillips Dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its functionality and safety. Classified as having a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment, this dam serves its primary purposes effectively while enhancing the local ecosystem. With its controlled spillway and earth foundation, Phillips Dam serves as a testament to efficient water resource management and climate resilience practices in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the presence of Phillips Dam on the TR-N. F. Little Maquoketa River in Dubuque, Iowa, showcases the importance of sustainable water infrastructure for both human and ecological needs. With its modest storage capacity and low hazard potential, Phillips Dam stands as a valuable asset for fire protection and fisheries, highlighting the intersection of water management, conservation, and community resilience.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

517

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR- N. F. LITTLE MAQUOKETA R.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.9

Drainage Area

0.61

Nid Storage

91

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.