Hill Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Hill Dam, located in Audubon, Iowa, along Troublesome Creek, was completed in 1962 and designed by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This private dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and providing a small fish pond. With a height of 28 feet and a length of 490 feet, Hill Dam has a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4 acres, with a drainage area of 0.32 square miles.
Managed by the Iowa DNR and regulated by the state, Hill Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it has not been rated for its condition. Despite not having been inspected since 1964, the dam meets state permitting and inspection requirements. With its unique location in a rural setting, Hill Dam remains an important water resource for the local community and a focal point for climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable water management practices.
With its earth construction and soil foundation, Hill Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in Iowa. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the role of dams like Hill Dam in providing essential services such as fire protection and wildlife habitat becomes even more crucial. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, we must continue to monitor and advocate for the upkeep and maintenance of dams like Hill Dam to ensure the resilience and sustainability of our water infrastructure for future generations.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
490 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-TROUBLESOME CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.32 |
Nid Storage |
63 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Hill Dam