Stephens Forest Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Stephens Forest Dam #1, located in Lucas, Iowa, was completed in 1971 by the Iowa Conservation Commission.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and spans 558 feet along the South Whitebreast Creek. With a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond, the dam also serves recreational purposes for the local community. The dam has a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 76 acres, with a drainage area of 0.22 square miles.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Stephens Forest Dam #1 is considered to have a moderate risk level (rating of 3). The dam is state-regulated and subject to regular inspections by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. While the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," it has not undergone any recent modifications or maintenance work. The dam lacks emergency action plans and inundation maps, highlighting the need for improved risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the integrity of the dam structure. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate issues may find Stephens Forest Dam #1 an intriguing case study for the intersection of dam infrastructure, environmental conservation, and community safety.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

558

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH WHITEBREAST CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

76

Drainage Area

0.22

Nid Storage

115

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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.