Mc Fadden Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Mc Fadden Dam, located in Clarke, Iowa, was completed in 1969 and is owned by a private entity.


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Summary

The dam, designed by USDA NRCS, primarily serves the purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. It stands at a height of 40 feet with a length of 748 feet, holding a storage capacity of 486 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 32 acres. The dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations.

Situated on TR-FOUR MILE CREEK, Mc Fadden Dam is part of the Rock Island District and has a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment. The dam is classified as an earth structure with a soil foundation, featuring an uncontrolled spillway. While it has not been rated for its condition, the dam is regularly inspected to ensure its integrity and safety. Although not under the jurisdiction of a federal agency, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region, providing essential services for fire protection and water storage.

Overall, Mc Fadden Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water management in Clarke, Iowa, offering storage capacity and flood protection along TR-FOUR MILE CREEK. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam plays a key role in maintaining water resources and climate resilience in the area. As a privately owned structure regulated by the Iowa DNR, Mc Fadden Dam showcases a commitment to safety and compliance, ensuring the protection of surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

748

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

TR-FOUR MILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Drainage Area

2.11

Nid Storage

486

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
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.