Fontana Milldam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Hazelton, Iowa, the Fontana Milldam is a gravity dam completed in 1962 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

It stands at 14 feet high with a length of 180 feet, providing a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Otter Creek, covers a surface area of 59 acres and serves the community as a popular recreational spot.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Fontana Milldam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Although last inspected in 1977, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks.

With a serene setting and ample recreational opportunities, the Fontana Milldam is a valuable resource in Buchanan County, Iowa. While its primary purpose is for recreation, the dam also contributes to the local ecosystem and water management efforts. As climate and water resource enthusiasts explore this site on Otter Creek, it is essential to appreciate the balance between human enjoyment and environmental stewardship in sustaining this unique infrastructure.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

180

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

OTTER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

59

Drainage Area

55.7

Nid Storage

500

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.