Volk Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Volk Dam, located in Marion, Iowa, was designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1974.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at 27 feet high and stretches 415 feet in length, with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, or a small fish pond. Its storage capacity reaches 63 acre-feet, making it a crucial resource for the surrounding community.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, Volk Dam is state-regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as low hazard potential and having a moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been rated for its condition. With a drainage area of 0.27 square miles and a surface area of 5.5 acres, Volk Dam plays a vital role in managing water resources for the TR-Crow Creek and its surroundings in Beech, Iowa.

As a water resource and climate enthusiast, Volk Dam offers a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure management. With its unique design, purpose, and regulatory framework, this dam serves as a critical asset for fire protection, livestock, and aquatic life support. Its location in Marion, Iowa, within the Kansas City District, highlights the interconnectedness of water infrastructure and environmental stewardship in addressing the challenges of climate change and water resource management.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

415

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-CROW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.5

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

63

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.