Sharp Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Tate Dam Dozark Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Sharp Dam, located in Arion, Iowa, is a private earth dam completed in 1945 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Standing at 28 feet high and 350 feet long, it has a storage capacity of 24 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2.4 acres. The dam is situated on the TR-Boyer River, within Crawford County, Iowa, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Sharp Dam has a moderate risk rating of 3, indicating the need for careful monitoring and risk management. While the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," its last inspection dates back to June 1978, suggesting a potential need for updated evaluations and maintenance. With its uncontrolled spillway type and lack of outlet gates, the dam poses specific challenges that may require further attention to ensure its continued safety and functionality for the surrounding community and environment.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sharp Dam serves as a notable feature within the Rock Island District of Iowa, offering insights into the intersection of human infrastructure and natural water systems. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight by the Iowa DNR, the dam presents an opportunity for study and engagement in the context of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BOYER RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.11 |
Nid Storage |
24 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
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 |
North Raccoon River Near Sac City
|
312cfs |
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.
Sharp Dam