Timberman Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Timberman Dam is a privately owned structure located in Pottawattamie, Iowa, along the TR-FARM CREEK.


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Summary

Built in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a length of 530 feet, providing fire protection and serving as a small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 107 acre-feet and a surface area of 5.6 acres, Timberman Dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating, Timberman Dam has not been formally rated for its condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is designed to withstand the hydraulic pressures of its location. The dam's primary purpose, in addition to fire protection, is to serve as a stock or small fish pond, making it a valuable resource for the local community. With its strategic location in Henderson, Iowa, Timberman Dam provides essential water management services while contributing to the ecological diversity of the area.

As a key component of water resource management in the region, Timberman Dam represents a collaborative effort between federal agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and state regulatory bodies like the Iowa DNR. Its construction and operation adhere to state permitting and inspection requirements, ensuring the dam's functionality and safety. With its historical significance and ongoing contributions to the local ecosystem, Timberman Dam stands as a testament to sustainable water resource management practices in Iowa.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

530

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-FARM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.6

Drainage Area

0.62

Nid Storage

107

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.