Hertz Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Smith Dam Hickory Grove Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Hertz Dam, located in Maxwell, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1959.
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Summary
The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 32 feet and a length of 327 feet, Hertz Dam has a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Hertz Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. With its location on TR-East Indian Creek, Hertz Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.
Overall, Hertz Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for fire protection, stock, and recreational purposes in Story County, Iowa. Its history, design, and regulation showcase the intersection of water resource management, climate adaptation, and public safety in the region.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
327 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-EAST INDIAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.38 |
Nid Storage |
82 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Skunk River Below Squaw Creek Near Ames
|
130cfs |
Squaw Creek At Ames
|
53cfs |
South Skunk River Near Ames
|
92cfs |
Indian Creek Near Mingo
|
79cfs |
Fourmile Creek Near Ankeny
|
9cfs |
South Skunk River At Colfax
|
211cfs |
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.
Hertz Dam