Jacobson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Jacobson Dam, located in Dow City, Iowa, is a private earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1963 for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It stands at a height of 36 feet and has a length of 292 feet, with a storage capacity of 45 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is used for the purposes of fire protection and water storage. The dam is situated on TR-PARADISE CREEK and has a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating.

Despite its age, Jacobson Dam has not been rated for its condition and has not been inspected since its completion in 1963. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway type and is located in Crawford County, Iowa. It is important to note that the dam has a risk assessment rating of moderate (3), indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Jacobson Dam's design and purpose intriguing, as it serves as a vital resource for fire protection and water storage in the area.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

292

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

TR-PARADISE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.34

Nid Storage

45

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.