Garst Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Garst Dam, located in Lake Panorama, Iowa, was completed in 1969 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection and creating a small fish pond.
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Summary
Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. With a height of 27 feet and a length of 542 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3 acres, impacting a drainage area of 0.25 square miles along the Middle Raccoon River.
Designed by the USDA NRCS, Garst Dam is primarily an earth dam with a soil foundation. It has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition. While it has not undergone any modifications in recent years, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. With an uncontrolled spillway type, the dam does not feature any outlet gates or locks. Despite its age, Garst Dam continues to play a crucial role in the local water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
542 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MIDDLE RACCOON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.25 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Garst Dam