Houghton Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Houghton Dam, located in Westerville, Iowa, is a privately-owned earth dam built in 1967 for fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 25 feet and spans a length of 280 feet, with a storage capacity of 31 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Twelve Mile Creek, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
Managed by the USDA NRCS, Houghton Dam serves as a crucial water resource for the local community, providing irrigation water and supporting wildlife habitat. Despite its age, the dam's condition is currently not rated, though it meets regulatory guidelines and has not undergone any significant modifications since its construction. With a surface area of 2.2 acres and a drainage area of 0.2 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in flood control and water storage in the region.
With its uncontrolled spillway and minimal discharge capacity, Houghton Dam remains a stable structure that contributes to the overall water management efforts in Union County, Iowa. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the significance of dams like Houghton in ensuring water security and environmental sustainability cannot be overstated.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-TWELVE MILE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Thompson River At Davis City
|
22cfs |
East Fork 102 River At Bedford
|
1cfs |
South River Near Ackworth
|
18cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
Chariton River Near Chariton
|
2cfs |
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.
Houghton Dam