Binder Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Corning Reservoir Dam Pottorff Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Binder Lake Dam, located in CORNING, Iowa, was completed in 1942 and serves as a crucial water supply resource for the local community.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet with a length of 711 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 990 acre-feet and a surface area of 79.4 acres. The dam is situated on the TR-EAST NODAWAY river and is under the regulatory oversight of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Binder Lake Dam has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of June 2016. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 25 feet and is subject to regular inspections every 5 years. In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk assessment are not specified in the available data, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this essential water infrastructure.
Binder Lake Dam's role in providing water supply and its impact on the surrounding area make it a key component of water resource management in Adams County, Iowa. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water availability and quality, the maintenance and operation of dams like Binder Lake Dam are essential for ensuring a secure and sustainable water supply for the community. With its moderate risk rating and ongoing regulatory oversight, Binder Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive management in safeguarding our water resources in the face of evolving environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1942 |
Dam Length |
711 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
TR-EAST NODAWAY |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
79.4 |
Drainage Area |
3.34 |
Nid Storage |
1100 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Binder Lake Dam