Clausen Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Clausen Dam, located in Clinton, Iowa, was completed in 1975 and is owned privately.


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Summary

The dam, designed by USDA NRCS, serves the primary purposes of fire protection and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 29 feet and a length of 350 feet, Clausen Dam has a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4 acres. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations.

Situated on TR-Brophys Creek, Clausen Dam poses a low hazard potential and has a moderate risk assessment rating. Although the dam is not currently rated for its condition, it meets state permitting and enforcement requirements. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with no outlet gates or associated structures. The dam is located in a picturesque setting in Clinton County, Iowa, offering both practical uses for fire protection and recreational opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Clausen Dam provides a fascinating example of earth dam construction and management. With its unique design and purpose, the dam adds to the diverse landscape of water infrastructure in Iowa. As a privately owned structure, Clausen Dam highlights the importance of collaboration between private owners and state regulatory agencies to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-BROPHYS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

0.16

Nid Storage

51

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.