Beane Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Beane Dam, located in MONTOUR, Iowa, along the TR-IOWA RIVER, was completed in 1973 by the USDA NRCS and serves primarily for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond.


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Summary

This privately owned Earth dam stands at 36 feet in height and stretches 410 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the IOWA DNR and has been designated as having a low hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment score of 3.

Despite its modest size and purpose, Beane Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, providing essential fire protection and water storage capacity. The dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflect a commitment to sustainable water infrastructure that benefits both local communities and the environment. With state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, Beane Dam serves as a model for responsible dam ownership and operation.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Beane Dam represents a harmonious blend of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship. Its presence along the TR-IOWA RIVER not only enhances local water security but also supports biodiversity through the creation of a small fish pond. By meeting state regulatory standards and maintaining a low hazard potential, Beane Dam stands as a testament to the importance of prudent water resource management in mitigating climate-related risks and ensuring the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

410

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

TR-IOWA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.2

Drainage Area

0.11

Nid Storage

80

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.