Roepke Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Roepke Dam, located in Cherokee, Iowa, is a private earth dam built in 1977 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Managed by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a length of 300 feet, providing a storage capacity of 35 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Little Sioux river, the dam serves as a crucial resource for water management in the region.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Roepke Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Iowa DNR. Despite not being rated for its current condition, the dam plays a significant role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability for various uses. As a contributor to water conservation efforts in the area, Roepke Dam is a key infrastructure for maintaining a sustainable water supply and protecting the surrounding ecosystem.
As climate change continues to impact water resources, the presence of dams like Roepke Dam becomes increasingly important for adaptation and resilience strategies. With its capacity to store water for fire protection and other purposes, this dam exemplifies the crucial role that water infrastructure plays in addressing the challenges of a changing climate. By understanding and managing the risks associated with dams like Roepke Dam, water resource and climate enthusiasts can contribute to a more sustainable and secure water future for communities in Iowa and beyond.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE SIOUX |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.28 |
Nid Storage |
35 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
Roepke Dam