Rooks Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Rooks Dam, located in Union, Iowa, along the TR-Iowa River, was completed in 1959 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam, owned privately, stands at a height of 38 feet and spans 451 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Rooks Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Constructed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam with a soil foundation serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area, offering essential fire protection and agricultural support. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam continues to play a vital role in managing water resources in the region. With its uncontrolled spillway and limited drainage area of 0.4 square miles, Rooks Dam provides a sustainable solution for water storage and management in Hardin County, Iowa.
As an integral part of the local water infrastructure, Rooks Dam ensures the safety and well-being of the community by mitigating flood risks and providing a reliable source of water for various purposes. With its strategic location and efficient design, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Rooks Dam serves as a fascinating case study in sustainable water infrastructure development and management.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
451 |
Dam Height |
38 |
River Or Stream |
TR-IOWA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
38 |
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.
Rooks Dam