Getter Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Getter Dam, located on the TR-East Nodaway River in NODAWAY, Iowa, stands as a testament to effective private ownership and state regulation.


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Summary

Built in 1974 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection and providing a small fish pond. With a height of 34 feet and a length of 680 feet, Getter Dam has a storage capacity of 110 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 8.1 acres.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, Getter Dam is designed to withstand low hazard potential and has a moderate risk assessment rating. While the dam has not been rated for its current condition, it is regularly inspected and permitted by state authorities, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, indicating its reliance on natural overflow mechanisms for managing water levels.

Getter Dam is a vital infrastructure for water resource management in Adams County, Iowa, providing essential services for fire protection and recreational activities. Its construction and maintenance reflect a collaborative effort between private owners and state agencies, ensuring the safety and sustainability of this important water resource amidst changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

680

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-EAST NODAWAY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.1

Drainage Area

0.58

Nid Storage

110

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
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.