Moorhead Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Moorhead Dam, located in Pisgah, Iowa, is a private-owned structure built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 36 feet and spans 415 feet in length, serving primarily for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.9 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Moorhead Dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is categorized as having a moderate risk level, emphasizing the importance of proper risk management measures. The dam's position on the TR-Soldier River makes it a vital component of the local ecosystem and a key feature in climate resilience efforts in the area.
As a significant structure in Monona County, Moorhead Dam contributes to the overall water management system in Iowa. Its role in fire protection and stock maintenance, coupled with its modest risk level, underscores the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term sustainability. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Moorhead Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and climate adaptation in the region.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
415 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOLDIER.RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.28 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Soldier River At Pisgah
|
112cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Missouri River At Decatur
|
15500cfs |
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.
Moorhead Dam