Old Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Old Reservoir Dam, located in Ringgold, Iowa, serves as a vital water supply infrastructure for the local community.
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Summary
Completed in 1920, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 147-acre feet, with a primary purpose of water supply. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate (3), highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and management to ensure its safety and functionality.
Situated along Walnut Creek, Old Reservoir Dam also offers recreational opportunities in addition to its water supply function. The dam spans 500 feet in length, covering a surface area of 11.5 acres and serving a drainage area of 0.41 square miles. Although the dam's condition is currently not rated, it is regulated and inspected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with enforcement and permitting processes in place to ensure compliance with state regulations.
With its uncontrolled spillway type and soil foundation, Old Reservoir Dam remains a crucial infrastructure for water management in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the dam's role in providing stable water supply becomes increasingly significant. While it has not been modified in recent years, ongoing monitoring, risk assessment, and management measures are essential to safeguard the dam and the surrounding community from potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WALNUT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.41 |
Nid Storage |
147 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Old Reservoir Dam