Korn Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Clark Dam Martins Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Korn Dam, located in Vail, Iowa, was completed in 1959 by the USDA NRCS and remains privately owned with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
This earth dam, standing at 26 feet tall and stretching 510 feet in length, serves as a vital water resource on the TR-Boyer River, providing a maximum storage capacity of 73 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been rated for its condition and has not undergone a recent inspection since 1964.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Korn Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with no outlet gates or locks present. While it currently poses a moderate risk, the dam's risk management measures and emergency preparedness plans are not well-documented, indicating a potential area for improvement in terms of ensuring the safety of downstream communities in the event of a dam failure. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Korn Dam's historical significance and structural features intriguing, as it continues to play a crucial role in the local ecosystem and community water supply.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
510 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BOYER RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.51 |
Nid Storage |
73 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Raccoon River Near Sac City
|
312cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard
|
121cfs |
North Raccoon River Near Jefferson
|
530cfs |
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
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.
Korn Dam