Perkins Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lautner Dam Lincoln Ridge Estates Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Perkins Dam, located in Greene County, Iowa, along the North Raccoon River, was completed in 1968 by the USDA NRCS.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This private dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet. The dam, standing at 26 feet in height and 188 feet in length, is primarily an earth-filled structure with a soil foundation.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Perkins Dam is state-regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate. However, its condition is currently not rated, and there are no emergency action plans in place. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 0.16 square miles, and the dam's spillway is uncontrolled.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Perkins Dam represents a critical infrastructure component in the region, providing essential functions while also posing moderate risks that require ongoing monitoring and management. With its location along the North Raccoon River and its role in water storage and habitat support, understanding and maintaining Perkins Dam is crucial for both its intended purposes and the surrounding ecosystem's health and safety.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
188 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NORTH RACCOON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.16 |
Nid Storage |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Raccoon River Near Jefferson
|
530cfs |
Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard
|
121cfs |
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
|
92cfs |
Des Moines River Near Stratford
|
1720cfs |
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Des Moines River At Fort Dodge
|
1320cfs |
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.
Perkins Dam