Mc Clellan Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Mc Clellan Dam, located in Guthrie, Iowa, was completed in 1968 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance.


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Summary

This private dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is inspected and permitted by state authorities. With a height of 26 feet and a length of 540 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3 acres. The dam is primarily made of earth with a soil foundation and is classified as low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment.

Situated on the TR-BRUSHY CREEK of the SOUTH RACCOON RIVER, Mc Clellan Dam is crucial for water resource management and recreational activities in the area. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has not been modified in recent years and its condition remains unrated. The dam is owned by private entities and has not received federal funding or oversight. With its strategic location and moderate risk assessment, Mc Clellan Dam presents a unique opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study the impact of private ownership on dam safety and management in Iowa.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

540

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-BRUSHY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.34

Nid Storage

51

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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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. 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

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, 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.