Mc Cunn Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Mc Cunn Dam, located in Clarinda, Iowa, was completed in 1976 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This private earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a length of 415 feet, with a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Nodaway River, the dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

Despite its low hazard potential, Mc Cunn Dam poses a moderate risk according to a rating of 3. While the dam is not currently rated for its condition, it has not been modified in recent years. The dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are also not specified in the data. With a surface area of 3.9 acres and a drainage area of 0.48 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Overall, Mc Cunn Dam is an essential infrastructure for fire protection, livestock, and aquatic habitat in Page County, Iowa. Owned privately, the dam's construction, regulation, and maintenance are overseen by the USDA NRCS and Iowa DNR. While it has a low hazard potential, its moderate risk rating underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and management to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this vital water resource in the region.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

415

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-NODAWAY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.9

Drainage Area

0.48

Nid Storage

63

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.