Fenchel Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fenchel Dam, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was completed in 1970 and is primarily used for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a private dam owned by a private entity and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The dam is classified as an earth type with a height of 26 feet and a length of 268 feet, creating a storage capacity of 79 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 4.3 acres. Despite having a low hazard potential and being in a moderate risk category, the dam's condition is currently not rated.

The dam sits on the TR-OTTER CREEK, within the Linn County of Iowa, and is designed by the USDA NRCS. It is under the jurisdiction of the state and is subject to permitting, inspection, and enforcement by state regulatory agencies. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway type with no outlet gates or associated locks. The risk management measures, emergency action plan, and inundation maps for the dam are either not prepared or not up to date. With its strategic location and purpose, Fenchel Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

268

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-OTTER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.3

Drainage Area

0.09

Nid Storage

79

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.