Lazy K Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Peterson Dam Thomson Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lazy K Dam, located in Defiance, Iowa, was completed in 1972 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection and as a small fish pond.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 736 feet, with a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-West Fork West Nishnabotna River, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is designed by the USDA NRCS.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Lazy K Dam is a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in Crawford County, Iowa. The dam is state-jurisdiction regulated, with inspections and enforcement conducted by the Iowa DNR. Despite not having a current condition assessment, the dam continues to provide essential water storage and flood control benefits to the surrounding area.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Lazy K Dam can appreciate its role in supporting local fire protection efforts and providing a habitat for small fish. With its earth construction and uncontrolled spillway, the dam represents a blend of functional design and natural resource conservation. As a privately owned structure, Lazy K Dam showcases the importance of collaboration between private owners and state regulatory agencies in managing water resources effectively.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
736 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WEST FORK WEST NISHNABOTNA |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
0.91 |
Nid Storage |
200 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Soldier River At Pisgah
|
112cfs |
West Nishnabotna River At Hancock
|
154cfs |
North Raccoon River Near Sac City
|
312cfs |
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.
Lazy K Dam