Ellerbusch Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Ellerbusch Dam, located in Iowa, serves multiple purposes including fire protection and providing a source for stock or small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this private dam stands at 22 feet tall and stretches 614 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Bacon Creek, the dam has a surface area of 4.9 acres and drains an area of 0.56 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, Ellerbusch Dam is regulated and inspected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, but it poses a moderate risk according to the available data. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway, with no outlet gates or associated structures. It is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and assess the risk of Ellerbusch Dam to ensure its safety and functionality for the surrounding community and ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
614 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BACON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.56 |
Nid Storage |
96 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
Floyd River At James
|
187cfs |
Little Sioux River At Linn Grove
|
257cfs |
North Raccoon River Near Sac City
|
312cfs |
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.
Ellerbusch Dam