Keenen Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Keenen Dam, located in Jasper County, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Iowa DNR.


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Summary

Completed in 1964, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection and as a small fish pond. With a height of 34 feet and a length of 376 feet, Keenen Dam has a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4.7 acres, with a drainage area of 0.16 square miles.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Keenen Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, with a condition assessment that is currently not rated. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in 1977, emphasizing the need for ongoing maintenance and monitoring. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and does not have outlet gates or locks associated with it. While the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years, it is essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to stay informed about its status and any potential risks associated with it.

Overall, Keenen Dam stands as a vital structure in the Rock Creek Lake area, contributing to fire protection and water storage for the local ecosystem. With its historical significance and continued relevance, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

376

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-ROCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.7

Drainage Area

0.16

Nid Storage

63

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
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.
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