Tapken Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jim Walter Dam Greencrest Farms Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Located in Hebron, Iowa, the Tapken Dam is a private-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1976.
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Summary
With a dam height of 28 feet and a length of 445 feet, this Earth-type dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and creating a small fish pond. The dam has a storage capacity of 42 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3.8 acres, with a drainage area of 0.12 square miles.
Regulated by the Iowa DNR, the Tapken Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk level. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam is inspected periodically by state authorities and is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway. The structure is located on TR-Nine Mile Run, a tributary in Adair County, Iowa, and is situated in close proximity to Cindy Axne's district.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the Tapken Dam for its role in providing fire protection and maintaining a small fish pond while also being mindful of the potential risks associated with its operation. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk level, this privately-owned Earth-type dam in Hebron, Iowa serves as an important piece of infrastructure regulated by the Iowa DNR. Its strategic location and design by USDA NRCS make it a noteworthy structure for those interested in water resource management and climate adaptation efforts.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
445 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NINE MILE RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.12 |
Nid Storage |
42 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
|
92cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard
|
121cfs |
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.
Tapken Dam