Swanger Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Swanger Dam, located in Danbury, Iowa, was completed in 1970 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam is privately owned and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Spanning 580 feet in length and standing at 42 feet high, the earth dam holds a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet with a normal storage of 63 acre-feet.
Situated on TR-Morehead Creek, Swanger Dam serves as a crucial resource for water management in Woodbury County. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam plays a key role in flood control and water supply for the surrounding area. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has not been rated for condition assessment.
Enthusiasts of water resource management and climate adaptation will find Swanger Dam to be a fascinating example of infrastructure designed for multiple purposes, including fire protection and ecological conservation. With its strategic location and moderate risk profile, the dam represents a balancing act between human needs and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MOREHEAD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.43 |
Nid Storage |
115 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
North Raccoon River Near Sac City
|
312cfs |
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.
Swanger Dam