Humboldt Milldam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Christensen Dam Rutland Milldam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Humboldt Milldam, located in Humboldt, Iowa, along the West Fork Des Moines River, is a gravity dam primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1912, the dam stands at a height of 13 feet and spans 460 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 3,071 acre-feet. Although the dam is classified as having a low hazard potential, it is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity.
Despite its age, Humboldt Milldam has not been rated for its current condition, indicating a need for further assessment and potentially maintenance or upgrades. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and its risk assessment is moderate, with a DSAC risk level of 3. While the dam serves as a popular recreational spot in the area, with a surface area of 470 acres, its risk management measures and emergency action plan readiness are unclear, highlighting areas for improvement to enhance public safety and environmental protection surrounding the dam.
In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Humboldt Milldam presents an intriguing case study for the intersection of historic infrastructure, recreational use, and risk management in the face of changing environmental conditions. As discussions around dam safety and resilience continue to evolve, Humboldt Milldam stands as a reminder of the ongoing need for proactive maintenance and planning to ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources and infrastructure in the region.
Year Completed |
1912 |
Dam Length |
460 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
WEST FORK DES MOINES RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
470 |
Drainage Area |
2256 |
Nid Storage |
3071 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Des Moines River At Humboldt
|
401cfs |
East Fork Des Moines River At Dakota City
|
255cfs |
Des Moines River At Fort Dodge
|
1320cfs |
Boone River Near Webster City
|
232cfs |
Iowa River Near Rowan
|
195cfs |
Des Moines River Near Stratford
|
1720cfs |
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.
Humboldt Milldam