Green Acres Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Whispering Pines Dam Bertelsen Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Green Acres Dam, located in Audubon, Iowa, along the TR-East Nishnabotna River, was completed in 1969 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This private dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and providing a small fish pond for stock. Standing at 25 feet tall and 492 feet long, the earth dam has a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet, with a surface area of 3 acres and a drainage area of 0.3 square miles.
The dam, regulated by the Iowa DNR, has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has not been inspected recently, and emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) are not in place. With a spillway type of "Uncontrolled," the dam is designed to handle maximum discharges, although specific details about outlet gates or locks are not provided. Overall, Green Acres Dam presents an opportunity for further assessment and potential improvements to ensure its long-term safety and functionality for the surrounding area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Green Acres Dam offers a fascinating case study in private dam ownership and management. With its unique location and design features, the dam serves as a vital resource for fire protection and aquatic life support in the region. However, the lack of recent inspections and emergency preparedness measures highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the dam's continued effectiveness. As climate change impacts water resources, understanding the role of dams like Green Acres in local ecosystems becomes increasingly crucial for sustainable water management practices.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
492 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-EAST NISHNABOTNA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.3 |
Nid Storage |
74 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Prairie Rose State Park
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Prairie Rose State Park East Campground
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Prairie Rose State Park West Campground
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Green Acres Dam