Thye Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Thye Dam, located in Adair, Iowa, was completed in 1968 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at a height of 43 feet and spans 535 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 307 acre-feet. Situated on Brush Creek in the Thompson River area, the dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Thye Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is surrounded by a surface area of 16 acres within a drainage area of 0.8 square miles. The dam's condition is currently not rated, but with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam is well-maintained to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Thye Dam presents an interesting case study in dam construction and management within the state of Iowa.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
535 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
BRUSH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Drainage Area |
0.8 |
Nid Storage |
307 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
|
92cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
Raccoon River At 63rd Street At Des Moines
|
587cfs |
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.
Thye Dam