Ridinger Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Ridinger Dam, located in Westerville, Iowa, on the TR-Twelve Mile Creek, was completed in 1964 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes such as fire protection and providing a small fish pond.
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Summary
This private dam, with a height of 27 feet and a length of 329 feet, has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3.1 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections.
The dam's primary purpose is to provide essential water resources for fire protection and stock, making it a valuable asset for the local community. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is considered to be in a stable condition, although its overall assessment is currently not rated. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it continues to play a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status remains unclear, highlighting the need for further preparedness measures. Overall, Ridinger Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for water storage and management in Union County, Iowa, showcasing the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures for the long-term sustainability of water resources and climate adaptation efforts in the area.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
329 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-TWELVE MILE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.21 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Thompson River At Davis City
|
22cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
East Fork 102 River At Bedford
|
1cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
South River Near Ackworth
|
18cfs |
Middle River Near Indianola
|
48cfs |
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.
Ridinger Dam