Brown Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Riedmann Dam Mill Creek Lake Dam
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Brown Dam, located in Cherokee, Iowa, was completed in 1970 and is owned privately.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 24 feet tall and spans 582 feet in length. The primary purpose of Brown Dam is for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.7 acres.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Brown Dam is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced for safety compliance. It has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The dam's purpose, along with its relatively small drainage area of 0.53 square miles, contribute to its moderate risk assessment level.
Despite its low hazard potential, Brown Dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources for the surrounding area, serving as a vital source for fire protection and stock purposes. Enthusiasts of water resource management and climate conservation can appreciate the importance of dams like Brown Dam in maintaining sustainable water supplies and ecosystems in the region.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
582 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MILL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.53 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Floyd River At Alton
|
36cfs |
Little Sioux River At Linn Grove
|
257cfs |
Ocheyedan River Near Spencer
|
59cfs |
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
Rock River Near Rock Valley
|
321cfs |
Perry Creek Near Milnerville
|
25cfs |
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.
Brown Dam