Argotsinger Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kuhlman Dam Jacobson Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Argotsinger Dam, located in Dow City, Iowa, is a privately owned structure built in 1958 by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond.
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Summary
With a dam height of 27 feet and a length of 424 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of providing water for various uses. The dam is situated on TR-Paradise Creek within Crawford County, Iowa, and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Argotsinger Dam has not undergone a condition assessment and its emergency action plan is not up to date. The dam's last inspection dates back to November 1971, and it lacks updated inundation maps and risk management measures. While the dam's condition is currently listed as "Not Rated", it is important for the private owners to prioritize regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.
Overall, Argotsinger Dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes in Dow City, Iowa. As a privately owned earth dam, it serves as a key infrastructure for water management in the region. However, there is a need for increased attention to regular inspections, maintenance, and updating of emergency action plans to mitigate potential risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of this important water resource facility.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
424 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PARADISE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.21 |
Nid Storage |
78 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Soldier River At Pisgah
|
112cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
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.
Argotsinger Dam