Gaumer Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Gaumer Dam, located in Warren County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1968.


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Summary

This dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. With a structural height of 26 feet and a length of 440 feet, Gaumer Dam has a normal storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 111 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-Middle River and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, Gaumer Dam poses a moderate risk, with a risk assessment rating of 3. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it has not been inspected since October 2003. The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place, and there is limited information available regarding risk management measures and inundation maps. However, the dam is in a relatively stable condition, as it is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gaumer Dam presents an interesting case study in dam management and risk assessment. As the dam continues to serve its primary purposes of fire protection and water management, there is a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and stability of the structure. With its location in a rural area of Iowa and its importance for local water management, Gaumer Dam represents a key piece of infrastructure that requires attention and care in the face of changing climate conditions and evolving regulatory standards.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

440

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-MIDDLE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

0.64

Nid Storage

111

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.