Sorenson Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Sorenson Dam, located in Audubon County, Iowa, was completed in 1975 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans a length of 480 feet, with a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-ELKHORN CREEK and is regulated by the Iowa DNR, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Sorenson Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area. The dam's condition is currently not rated, but it is regularly monitored and meets state guidelines for emergency action planning. Despite its small surface area of 4.2 acres, the dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the region and protecting against potential flooding events. Overall, Sorenson Dam is a vital piece of infrastructure that contributes to the environmental and agricultural well-being of the surrounding community.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELKHORN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.45 |
Nid Storage |
90 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Sorenson Dam