Hopkins Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Hopkins Dam, located in Fremont County, Iowa, is a private earth dam constructed in 1959 by the USDA NRCS for fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond.
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Summary
With a height of 37 feet and a length of 386 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 43 acre-feet and serves the purpose of regulating water flow in TR-Mill Creek. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway design poses a low hazard potential, and the dam is rated as having a moderate risk level.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Hopkins Dam undergoes state inspection, regulation, and permitting to ensure its structural integrity and operational safety. While the last inspection took place in 1960, the dam is still actively monitored to mitigate any potential risks. With its location in a picturesque setting near Hamburg, Iowa, water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the important role Hopkins Dam plays in water management and conservation efforts in the area.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
386 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MILL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.23 |
Nid Storage |
43 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg
|
450cfs |
Missouri River At Nebraska City
|
23700cfs |
West Nishnabotna River At Randolph
|
508cfs |
Little Nemaha River At Auburn
|
82cfs |
Tarkio River At Fairfax Mo
|
63cfs |
Weeping Water Creek At Union
|
20cfs |
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.
Hopkins Dam