Fellowship Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hinegardner Lake Dam Hempys Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Fellowship Lake Dam, located in Tama, Iowa, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1940 by Fox Engineering, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and spans 690 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 515 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-Iowa River and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Fellowship Lake Dam is subject to moderate risk due to its location and design. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 3 feet and holds a normal storage capacity of 250 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 32 acres. With a drainage area of 1.61 square miles, the dam serves as a recreational water resource for the local community, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, regular inspections are conducted to monitor its safety and functionality.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status is undisclosed, raising questions about its preparedness and compliance with guidelines. Despite these uncertainties, Fellowship Lake Dam continues to provide a valuable source of recreation and water supply for the area, emphasizing the importance of ongoing risk assessment and management measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of this critical infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
690 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
TR-IOWA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
32 |
Drainage Area |
1.61 |
Nid Storage |
515 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Timber Creek Near Marshalltown
|
37cfs |
Iowa River At Marshalltown
|
1040cfs |
Richland Creek Near Haven
|
12cfs |
Salt Creek Near Elberon
|
42cfs |
Walnut Creek Near Hartwick
|
13cfs |
Iowa River Near Belle Plaine
|
966cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Union Grove State Park
|
||
Otter Creek Lake and Park
|
||
Riverview Park - Marshalltown
|
Fellowship Lake Dam
C Avenue Tama County