Brenton Farm Dam dam
Brenton Farm Dam
Brenton Farm Dam in Adel, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes. Completed in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a length of 278 feet, providing a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet. Situated along the TR-North Raccoon River, this dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is part of the state's inspection and enforcement programs, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Brenton Farm Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area. The dam's primary function is to provide fire protection and water supply for agricultural activities, contributing to the overall sustainability of the region. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam remains an essential component of the local water infrastructure, serving as a reliable source of water for various purposes.
Located in Dallas County, Iowa, Brenton Farm Dam's strategic placement allows it to effectively control water flow and provide storage during periods of high water levels. As part of the Rock Island District, this dam underscores the importance of proper water management practices in ensuring the long-term resilience of the community against climate change impacts. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of Brenton Farm Dam in safeguarding water availability and supporting sustainable development in the region.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Brenton Farm Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Raccoon River At Van Meter | 1,510 cfs | → |
| South Raccoon River At Redfield | 486 cfs | → |
| Beaver Creek Near Grimes | 229 cfs | → |
| Raccoon River Near West Des Moines | 1,300 cfs | → |
| Walnut Creek At Des Moines | 39 cfs | → |
| Raccoon River At 63rd Street At Des Moines | 1,660 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Brenton Farm Dam.
Track Brenton Farm Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Brenton Farm Dam
Where does the data for Brenton Farm Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Brenton Farm Dam.