Hammer Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Patz Dam Cooper Cove Park Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Hammer Dam, located in Fort Dodge, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1973.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Primarily used for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes, this dam stands at a height of 50 feet with a length of 330 feet, providing a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. Situated on the West Branch Lizard River, this low hazard potential dam serves as a recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Hammer Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being uncontrolled, the dam has a moderate risk assessment with a risk management plan in place. Over the years, the dam has not been modified, and its condition is currently not rated, although it meets the guidelines for emergency action plans. With its picturesque location and moderate risk level, Hammer Dam continues to be a vital water resource for the community while offering recreational opportunities for visitors.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
330 |
Dam Height |
50 |
River Or Stream |
WEST BRANCH LIZARD |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.12 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
50 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Des Moines River At Fort Dodge
|
1320cfs |
Des Moines River At Humboldt
|
401cfs |
East Fork Des Moines River At Dakota City
|
255cfs |
Des Moines River Near Stratford
|
1720cfs |
North Raccoon River Near Sac City
|
312cfs |
Boone River Near Webster City
|
232cfs |
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.
Hammer Dam