Stickles Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Crittenden Dam Weis Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Stickles Dam is a privately owned structure located in Union, Iowa, and designed by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
Completed in 1977, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond. With a height of 31 feet and a length of 275 feet, Stickles Dam has a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2.8 acres, draining an area of 0.39 square miles.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Stickles Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk level, Stickles Dam does not have an established emergency action plan or inundation maps prepared, indicating a need for further risk management measures to be implemented. Overall, Stickles Dam stands as a vital resource for the local community, providing essential water storage and fire protection capabilities.
Stickles Dam, situated along the TR-STAR BRANCH in Westerville, Iowa, is a key feature in the area's water resource infrastructure. Operated for nearly 45 years, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water levels, storing up to 65 acre-feet of water for various purposes. While Stickles Dam has not undergone recent inspections or condition assessments, its moderate risk level suggests the need for continued monitoring and potential upgrades to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this important water management structure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Stickles Dam serves as a fascinating example of the intersection between human engineering and environmental conservation efforts in the heart of Iowa.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
275 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR-STAR BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.39 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Thompson River At Davis City
|
22cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
East Fork 102 River At Bedford
|
1cfs |
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
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.
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