Owen Dam, located in Grace Hill, Iowa, is a private earth dam built in 1966 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
Wind
Humidity
With a height of 21 feet and a length of 311 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4.6 acres. It is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
The dam poses a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk level, with a drainage area of 0.52 square miles along TR-Indian Creek, the dam has an uncontrolled spillway type and no outlet gates. The last inspection was conducted in December 1967, and no emergency action plan has been prepared. The dam is situated within the jurisdiction of the Rock Island District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, with no federal agency ownership or funding associated with its construction or operation.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Owen Dam serves as a unique feature in the landscape of Washington County, Iowa. Its role in providing essential services for fire protection, stock maintenance, and recreational activities highlights the importance of small-scale dams in rural communities. As a privately owned structure with limited federal oversight, Owen Dam represents a localized effort in water resource management and conservation.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
311 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR-INDIAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.52 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
English River At Kalona
|
41cfs |
North Skunk River Near Sigourney
|
97cfs |
Iowa River Near Lone Tree
|
1380cfs |
Old Mans Creek Near Iowa City
|
24cfs |
Big Creek Near Mt. Pleasant
|
0cfs |
Cedar Creek Near Oakland Mills
|
10cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Brinton Timber
|
||
Skunk River Access
|
||
Lake Darling State Park
|
||
Crooked Creek Christian Camp
|
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Lake Darling State Park Campground
|