Knapp Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Greenberg Dam Brammer Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Knapp Dam, located in Ringgold County, Iowa, is a privately owned structure built in 1959 with a primary purpose of fire protection and serving as a small fish pond.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and stretches 550 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-Middle Fork Grand River and is regulated by the Iowa DNR, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Knapp Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area. While the dam has not been rated for its condition, it serves as a vital infrastructure for fire protection and stock water supply. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are currently not rated, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality for the community.
As a key component in the water infrastructure of Ringgold County, Knapp Dam serves as a valuable asset for both water resource and climate enthusiasts. With its strategic location and purpose, the dam provides essential benefits such as fire protection and small fish pond habitat while contributing to the overall water management efforts in the region. As efforts continue to assess and improve its condition and risk management measures, Knapp Dam remains a significant feature in the landscape, showcasing the intersection of human engineering and natural resource conservation.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MIDDLE FORK GRAND RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.18 |
Nid Storage |
90 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Knapp Dam