Kruse Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Kruse Dam, located in Calhoun County, Iowa, along the TR-North Raccoon River, was completed in 1972 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This privately owned earth dam stands at 34 feet high and spans 366 feet in length, with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. The dam has a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet and serves recreational purposes as well.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Kruse Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. It is state-regulated, inspected, permitted, and enforced, meeting guidelines for emergency action plans. The dam lacks a formal condition rating but is deemed to be in good condition. The surrounding area covers 4 acres and drains an area of 0.1 square miles, making it a vital resource for water supply, wildlife habitat, and flood control in the region.
Kruse Dam provides essential benefits for fire protection, agriculture, and recreation, showcasing the importance of proper dam management and regulation to mitigate risks and ensure long-term sustainability. With its strategic location and design, the dam serves as a cornerstone for water resource management in Calhoun County and plays a vital role in enhancing the resilience of the local ecosystem to climate variability and extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
366 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NORTH RACOON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
62 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Raccoon River Near Sac City
|
312cfs |
North Raccoon River Near Jefferson
|
530cfs |
Des Moines River At Fort Dodge
|
1320cfs |
Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard
|
121cfs |
Des Moines River Near Stratford
|
1720cfs |
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
|
92cfs |
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.
Kruse Dam