Cozad Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Cozad Dam, located in Red Rock Reservoir in Iowa, was completed in 1959 and serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is designed by the USDA NRCS. With a height of 36 feet and a length of 606 feet, the earth dam stands as a crucial structure for water resource management in the area.

With a storage capacity of 339 acre-feet and a surface area of 18 acres, Cozad Dam plays a vital role in managing water resources for the local community. The dam's low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment make it a reliable infrastructure for ensuring water security in the region. While the dam's condition has not been rated recently, its design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service indicate a commitment to safety and efficiency in water management.

Despite its age, Cozad Dam continues to be a key component in the water infrastructure of Clarke County, Iowa. With its regulated state jurisdiction, regular inspections, and low hazard potential, the dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management. As climate change impacts water availability, structures like Cozad Dam are essential for ensuring sustainable water use for future generations.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

606

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

TR-OTTER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

0.96

Nid Storage

339

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.