Lounsberry Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lounsberry Dam, located in Monona, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1975 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock maintenance, and providing a small fish pond. With a height of 35 feet and a length of 300 feet, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 45 acre-feet.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Lounsberry Dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by state authorities to ensure compliance with safety standards. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has been assessed as having a moderate risk level (3). The dam has an uncontrolled spillway type and is situated on the TR-Little Sioux River, 25 miles from the Missouri River.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the unique features of Lounsberry Dam, including its role in providing essential services like fire protection and stock maintenance. With its strategic location and design by the USDA NRCS, the dam represents a harmonious blend of human intervention and environmental stewardship. As a regulated and inspected structure in Iowa, Lounsberry Dam highlights the importance of proactive risk management and safety measures in water resource management.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE SIOUX |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
45 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
Missouri River At Decatur
|
15500cfs |
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
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.
Lounsberry Dam