Creswell Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Creswell Dam, located in Oto, Iowa, was completed in 1964 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection and providing a small fish pond.
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Summary
This private earth dam on the TR-Little Sioux River has a height of 32 feet, a length of 441 feet, and a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite being classified with a low hazard potential, Creswell Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and emergency action plans are not currently in place. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has no outlet gates or locks. The risk management measures and risk assessment for the dam are not specified in the data provided, leaving room for further investigation by water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Overall, Creswell Dam presents an intriguing case study for those interested in water resource management and climate change adaptation. Its design and functionality, coupled with its regulatory oversight and risk assessment, offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with maintaining and managing dams in the face of evolving environmental conditions. Further research and analysis could shed light on the resilience of Creswell Dam and its implications for sustainable water resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
441 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE SIOUX RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.32 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
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 |
Floyd River At James
|
187cfs |
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.
Creswell Dam