Bergeson Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Bergeson Dam, located in Cherokee, Iowa, was completed in 1959 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Owned and regulated by a private entity, the dam is under the jurisdiction of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Designed by the USDA NRCS, the earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and stretches for 406 feet along the TR-Little Sioux River.
With a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet, Bergeson Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The spillway type is uncontrolled, and the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While there are no outlet gates or associated structures, the dam's purpose and design make it a vital resource for water management in the area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, Bergeson Dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability for the surrounding community and ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
406 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE SIOUX |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.14 |
Nid Storage |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
Little Sioux River At Linn Grove
|
257cfs |
Floyd River At Alton
|
36cfs |
North Raccoon River Near Sac City
|
312cfs |
Ocheyedan River Near Spencer
|
59cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
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.
Bergeson Dam