Eblen Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Eblen Dam, located in Cass County, Iowa, was completed in 1972 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and stretches over 608 feet, with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Situated on Turkey Creek, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality.

The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and its hazard potential is rated as low with a moderate risk assessment. Despite being not rated for condition assessment, Eblen Dam remains a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the area. The dam is under private ownership and is not funded or operated by any federal agency. Even though it may not be as large or well-known as other dams, Eblen Dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water resources and supporting the local ecosystem in the region.

Eblen Dam, with its modest size and purpose, exemplifies the importance of small-scale dams in managing water resources for various needs. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, dams like Eblen serve as essential tools for mitigating risks and ensuring a reliable water supply. With proper regulation and maintenance, Eblen Dam stands as a testament to the vital role that dams play in sustaining ecosystems and communities in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

608

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

7R-TURKEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

0.16

Nid Storage

60

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.