White Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

White Dam, located in Marion, Iowa, was completed in 1974 with a primary purpose of serving as a fire protection reservoir and stock or small fish pond.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Owned privately, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and stretches 385 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 46 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Coal Creek, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

The dam's low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment make it a crucial asset for the surrounding community, providing essential water storage for firefighting efforts and agricultural needs. Managed by the USDA NRCS, White Dam serves as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience measures. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type of the dam ensures safe discharge of excess water during heavy rainfall events, mitigating flood risks in the area.

With its strategic location and functional design, White Dam exemplifies the synergy between water infrastructure development and environmental stewardship. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the significance of White Dam lies in its contribution to sustainable water management practices and resiliency against natural hazards. As a privately owned structure, the dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private entities and regulatory agencies in safeguarding water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

385

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

TR-COAL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.4

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

46

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.