Perkey Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Perkey Dam is a privately owned structure located in Marion, Iowa, near the Red Rock Reservoir.
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Summary
Completed in 1972, this Earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection and providing a small fish pond. With a height of 23 feet and a length of 418 feet, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 24 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 89 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Situated on the TR-Whitebreast Creek, Perkey Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is classified as having a moderate risk level, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it has not been modified since its completion. While the condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," the dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to uphold safety standards and protect the surrounding environment.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Perkey Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure with public implications. As a part of the overall water management system in the region, understanding the design, purpose, and regulatory oversight of Perkey Dam sheds light on the complex interplay between human intervention and natural systems. With its location in a scenic area near the Red Rock Reservoir, Perkey Dam represents a balancing act between water resource management, ecological considerations, and community needs.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
418 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WHITEBREAST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.13 |
Nid Storage |
89 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
English Creek Near Knoxville
|
2cfs |
White Breast Creek Near Dallas
|
5cfs |
Des Moines River Near Pella
|
2080cfs |
Cedar Creek Near Bussey
|
11cfs |
Des Moines River Near Tracy
|
1400cfs |
South River Near Ackworth
|
18cfs |
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.
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