Singer Dam dam
Singer Dam
Singer Dam, located in Oakland Mills, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, or a small fish pond. Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at 27 feet tall and spans 308 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-Jones Creek in Jefferson County, Iowa, and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition remains unrated as of the last inspection in 1968.
With a surface area of 4.5 acres and a drainage area of 0.12 square miles, Singer Dam serves as an essential water resource for the surrounding area. Although it has not undergone any modifications in recent years, the dam continues to play a crucial role in providing water for fire protection and supporting local wildlife. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and soil foundation contribute to its functional design, ensuring its operational effectiveness for years to come.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Singer Dam presents an intriguing case study in sustainable water management. With its private ownership and state regulation, the dam exemplifies the collaboration between different stakeholders to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. Its location on TR-Jones Creek and proximity to Oakland Mills make it a focal point for water conservation efforts in Jefferson County, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such vital infrastructure in the face of evolving climate challenges.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Singer Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Creek Near Oakland Mills | 1,340 cfs | → |
| Big Creek Near Mt. Pleasant | 43 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At Keosauqua | 18,100 cfs | → |
| Skunk River At Augusta | 2,860 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At Ottumwa | 16,400 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At St. Francisville | 11,200 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Singer Dam.
Boat launches
- Van Buren County
- Dogwood Avenue Washington County
- Jersey Avenue Van Buren County
- W15 / 330th Avenue Keokuk County
- County Road V5g Keokuk County
- Cliffland Road Wapello County
Campgrounds
- Round Prairie Park
- Water Works Park
- Oakland Mills Park
- Waterworks Park - Oakland Mills Park
- Mac Coon Access
- Midwest Old Threshers
More reservoirs
Track Singer Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Singer Dam
Where does the data for Singer Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Singer Dam.