Gibbs Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mueller - Mitchell Dam Clyde Frizell
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Gibbs Dam, located in Grand River, Iowa, was completed in 1959 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at 20 feet high and stretches 514 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 87 acre-feet and a surface area of 9 acres. Situated on TR-Marvel Creek, the dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.
Despite its low hazard potential, Gibbs Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level with a rating of 3. While the dam has not been rated for its condition, it continues to serve its intended purposes effectively. The spillway type is uncontrolled, and the dam is built on a soil foundation, emphasizing its reliance on natural resources for stability. The surrounding area benefits from the water resource provided by the dam, contributing to the local ecosystem and agricultural activities in Adair County.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
514 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MARVEL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
0.56 |
Nid Storage |
87 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
|
92cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard
|
121cfs |
East Nishnabotna River Near Atlantic
|
143cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
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.
Gibbs Dam