Brown Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Brown Dam, located in Danbury, Iowa, along the TR-MAPLE RIVER, is a privately owned earth dam that serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.
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Summary
Constructed in 1961 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a length of 490 feet, with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type of Brown Dam ensures the safety of the surrounding area by managing potential overflow.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Brown Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its structural integrity and safety for the community. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score, the dam has not been officially rated for its current condition. Although last inspected in 1963, the dam remains a vital resource for water storage and management in the area, playing a crucial role in the local ecosystem and providing essential services for the region.
As a significant structure in the Rock Island District, Brown Dam represents a blend of functionality and environmental stewardship. With its historical significance and ongoing role in water resource management, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable infrastructure development and climate-conscious practices in safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
490 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MAPLE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.36 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
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.
Brown Dam