Hirsch Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Carter Dam Hunter Dam
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Hirsch Dam, located in Churchville, Iowa, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1975, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a length of 440 feet. With a storage capacity of 48 acre-feet and a surface area of 3.5 acres, the dam serves as a recreational spot in addition to its primary functions.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Hirsch Dam is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type of the dam provides adequate measures for managing excess water flow. Situated on the TR-North River, Hirsch Dam contributes to water resource management in the region.
Overall, Hirsch Dam plays a crucial role in providing fire protection, stock, and recreation opportunities while also serving as a small fish pond. Its moderate risk assessment underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to uphold its structural integrity and safeguard the surrounding community and environment.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
440 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NORTH RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.19 |
Nid Storage |
48 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Hirsch Dam