Jalas Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Jalas Dam, located in Cherokee, Iowa, is a private-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS to serve multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and recreation.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at 34 feet high and stretches 696 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 92 acre-feet. The dam, situated on TR-DOG CREEK, is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3, Jalas Dam is considered to be in fair condition although not officially rated. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 2 feet and has a surface area of 5.7 acres serving a drainage area of 0.57 square miles. While lacking certain detailed information such as the last inspection date or condition assessment, the dam's design and purpose highlight its significance in providing essential water resources for the local community while also supporting recreational activities in the area. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Jalas Dam to be an intriguing structure that plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in Iowa's O'Brien County.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
696 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TR-DOG CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.57 |
Nid Storage |
92 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Jalas Dam