Newton Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Shoesmith/Kalbach Dam Dukes Dam
Last Updated: December 23, 2025
Newton Dam, located in Adair County, Iowa, was completed in 1959 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection and stock or small fish pond storage.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 20 feet high and spans 430 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-NORTH RIVER, Newton Dam is owned and regulated by a private entity but falls under the jurisdiction of the Iowa DNR for permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite its low hazard potential, Newton Dam is classified as having a moderate risk, indicating a need for ongoing risk assessment and management measures. The dam's condition is currently not rated, with its last inspection dating back to 1965. While it lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and is regularly inspected for safety. This vital water resource structure plays a critical role in the local environment and economy, providing essential water storage and flood protection for the surrounding area.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
430 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NORTH RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.48 |
Nid Storage |
68 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Newton Dam