Moran Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Moran Dam, located in Crescent, Iowa, along the TR-PIGEON CREEK river, was completed in 1970 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

Managed by a private owner, the dam stands at 22 feet tall with a length of 544 feet, providing a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet. The dam is constructed of earth materials with a soil foundation and has a surface area of 3.8 acres, serving as a vital resource for water storage in the area.

The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk factor, with measures in place for risk management. Moran Dam plays a crucial role in providing water for fire protection and recreational purposes, highlighting its importance in the local community and ecosystem.

Designed by the USDA NRCS, Moran Dam serves as a valuable asset for water resource management in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. With its controlled spillway and moderate risk assessment, the dam contributes to the sustainability of the surrounding environment and supports various uses such as fire protection and stock watering. As a key infrastructure for water storage, Moran Dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

544

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TR-PIGEON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.8

Drainage Area

0.46

Nid Storage

55

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.