Kenkel Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Kenkel Dam, located in Dow City, Iowa, is a privately owned structure built in 1961 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 29 feet and a length of 220 feet, has a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2.1 acres. Situated on the TR-Boyer River in Crawford County, Iowa, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated.
With a moderate risk ranking of 3, Kenkel Dam presents challenges that necessitate effective risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment. The dam's hazard potential, coupled with its location in a region susceptible to climate variability and extreme weather events, underscores the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance practices. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the state of Kenkel Dam and advocating for appropriate risk mitigation strategies is crucial to safeguarding the integrity of this essential infrastructure and protecting the local ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
220 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BOYER RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.1 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
95 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Soldier River At Pisgah
|
112cfs |
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
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.
Kenkel Dam