Steele Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Murdy Dam Gesicki Dam
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Steele Dam, located in Coal City, Iowa, along the TR-Chariton River, was completed in 1967 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This private earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a length of 415 feet, with a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves the purposes of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond, making it a vital resource for the local community.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Steele Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a need for continued monitoring and management measures. The dam's condition is currently not rated, highlighting the importance of regular assessments and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety for the surrounding area.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be drawn to Steele Dam for its role in supporting the local ecosystem and providing essential water storage. With its location in Appanoose County and its connection to the Chariton River, Steele Dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to manage and protect water resources in Iowa.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
415 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHARITON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.36 |
Nid Storage |
61 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Steele Dam