Rath Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Rath Dam, located in Denison, Iowa, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1977 by USDA NRCS, this privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 36 feet with a length of 440 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5.4 acres, with a drainage area of 0.45 square miles.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Rath Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is considered to be in good condition, although it has not been officially rated. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is designed to mitigate potential risks and manage water resources effectively in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate Rath Dam for its contribution to local water management and conservation efforts. With its strategic location on the TR-East Boyer River, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water for various purposes while minimizing potential risks. As a well-maintained structure with state-of-the-art design by the USDA NRCS, Rath Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and environmental stewardship in the Crawford County area of Iowa.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
440 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TR-EAST BOYER RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.45 |
Nid Storage |
105 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
North Raccoon River Near Sac City
|
312cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Soldier River At Pisgah
|
112cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
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.
Rath Dam