Peterson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Peterson Dam, located in Monroe County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS to serve multiple purposes including fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond.


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Summary

With a height of 30 feet and a length of 311 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 46 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3.8 acres. The dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and undergoes regular inspections, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

Situated on the TR-South Soap Creek, Peterson Dam is designed with an uncontrolled spillway and constructed on a soil foundation. The dam is classified as having a low hazard potential, indicating minimal risk to downstream areas in the event of failure. While its condition assessment is currently labeled as "Not Rated," the dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with guidelines.

Overall, Peterson Dam stands as a key water resource infrastructure in Iowa, providing essential services for fire protection and wildlife habitat. With its modest storage capacity and moderate risk assessment, the dam serves as a vital component in managing water resources and supporting the local ecosystem in Monroe County.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

311

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH SOAP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.8

Drainage Area

0.23

Nid Storage

46

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.