Mellot Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Fichter Dam Walker Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mellot Dam, located in Elliott, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1961 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
It stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 490 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 69 acre-feet. Situated on TR-COE Creek in Montgomery County, this dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Mellot Dam has not been rated for its current condition. However, its location in a rural area with a small drainage area of 0.43 square miles suggests a relatively low risk of downstream flooding. The dam's uncontrolled spillway type and lack of outlet gates may pose challenges in managing water discharge during periods of heavy rainfall, but overall, Mellot Dam serves its primary purposes effectively for the surrounding community.
Owned by a private entity and designed by the USDA NRCS, Mellot Dam exemplifies a local effort to provide essential water resources for fire protection and agricultural activities. Its construction reflects a historical commitment to water management in Iowa, contributing to the conservation of natural resources and enhancing the resilience of the region's water infrastructure. As climate change impacts continue to affect water availability and quality, dams like Mellot play a crucial role in sustaining local ecosystems and supporting agricultural sustainability in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
490 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.43 |
Nid Storage |
69 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Pilot Grove Co Park
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Legion City Park
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Cocklin Fish Farm
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Viking Lake State Park Campground
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Viking Lake State Park
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Cold Spring Park
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Mellot Dam