Buck Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hendrickson Marsh Dam Hansen Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Buck Dam, located in Marshall, Iowa, along TR-Clear Creek, serves multiple purposes including fire protection and creating a stock or small fish pond.
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Summary
Constructed in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 25 feet high and stretches 216 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 34 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 2.8 acres and has a drainage area of 0.17 square miles.
Managed by a private entity, Buck Dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which ensures that the dam is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced for compliance with safety standards. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3, indicating a need for ongoing risk management measures. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with no outlet gates for discharge.
Despite being located in a rural area, Buck Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. As a key structure for fire protection and water storage, it highlights the importance of sustainable dam infrastructure for both human and environmental well-being. With its historical significance and continued functionality, Buck Dam stands as a testament to the vital role that dams play in maintaining water resources and adapting to changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
216 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CLEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.17 |
Nid Storage |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Indian Creek Near Mingo
|
79cfs |
Iowa River At Marshalltown
|
1040cfs |
Timber Creek Near Marshalltown
|
37cfs |
South Skunk River At Colfax
|
211cfs |
South Skunk River Below Squaw Creek Near Ames
|
130cfs |
Squaw Creek At Ames
|
53cfs |
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.
Buck Dam