Marywood Farms Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Marywood Farms Dam, located in Red Rock Reservoir in Warren County, Iowa, was completed in 1966 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 35 feet and a length of 655 feet, has a normal storage capacity of 156 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 208 acre-feet. It is primarily owned and regulated by a private entity, with oversight from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The dam, designed by the USDA NRCS, is classified as an earth dam with a soil foundation. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not yet assessed for condition, the risk assessment for Marywood Farms Dam is moderate. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and has not been inspected since October 1967. The surrounding area has a surface area of 12.3 acres and a drainage area of 0.4 square miles, with the South River flowing nearby.

Although the dam has not been updated in recent years and lacks an Emergency Action Plan, its moderate risk assessment highlights the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to prevent potential hazards. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable dam management and conservation efforts may find Marywood Farms Dam a compelling case study for the intersection of private ownership, state regulation, and environmental stewardship in maintaining critical water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

655

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12.3

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

208

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.