Hawkins Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Grand River Cattle Dam Kellin Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Hawkins Dam is a private earth dam located in Terre Haute, Iowa, along TR-Elk Creek.
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Summary
Constructed in 1969 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock holding, and small fish pond management. With a height of 31 feet and a length of 353 feet, Hawkins Dam has a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Hawkins Dam is state-regulated and regularly inspected to ensure its integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam has not been rated for its condition. Despite being uncontrolled, Hawkins Dam's spillway is designed to manage potential excess water safely. While there are no associated structures or outlet gates, the dam's location in Decatur County, Iowa, presents an important water resource for the surrounding area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hawkins Dam represents a vital infrastructure that supports local fire protection efforts and provides essential water storage for livestock and recreational fishing. As a private dam owned and operated by individuals, its construction and maintenance are overseen by regulatory agencies to ensure public safety. With its strategic location along TR-Elk Creek, Hawkins Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Decatur County, Iowa, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
353 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.15 |
Nid Storage |
88 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Hawkins Dam