Draper Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Draper Dam, located in Hamburg, Iowa, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
Built in 1963 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans 614 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
Despite its low hazard potential, Draper Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. As an uncontrolled spillway type, the dam poses minimal risk to downstream areas, with a drainage area of only 0.7 square miles. While the condition assessment is currently "Not Rated", the dam's risk level of 3 suggests a need for continued attention to ensure its integrity and safety for the surrounding community.
With its location on TR-Mill Creek, Draper Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in Fremont County, Iowa. As a private dam owned and managed by a private entity, it underscores the importance of collaboration between public and private stakeholders in ensuring the sustainable use of water resources and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
614 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MILL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
90 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg
|
450cfs |
Missouri River At Nebraska City
|
23700cfs |
West Nishnabotna River At Randolph
|
508cfs |
Weeping Water Creek At Union
|
20cfs |
Little Nemaha River At Auburn
|
82cfs |
Tarkio River At Fairfax Mo
|
63cfs |
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.
Draper Dam