Elwood Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elwood Dam, located in Bluffton, Iowa, was completed in 1967 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, designed by USDA NRCS, is primarily owned by a private entity but is regulated by the Iowa DNR, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. With a height of 28 feet and a length of 376 feet, Elwood Dam has a storage capacity of 127 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 9.7 acres.

Despite its low hazard potential, Elwood Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, indicating the need for continued monitoring and management. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it sits on a soil foundation with no hydraulic height or structural height specified. The dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," indicating the need for further evaluation. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it is important for water resource and climate enthusiasts to stay informed about its risk level and potential impact on the surrounding area.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

376

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TR-MINOR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.7

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

127

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.