Chenoweth Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Davis County, Iowa, Chenoweth Dam is a private-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS in 1974 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans 235 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-SOAP CREEK, the dam's primary function is to provide recreational opportunities in the area, with a surface area of 2.2 acres and a drainage area of 0.12 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Chenoweth Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. While it does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place, the dam meets guidelines for risk management measures, providing a level of security for surrounding communities in case of emergencies.

Overall, Chenoweth Dam serves as a vital recreational resource in the region, offering opportunities for outdoor activities while maintaining a moderate risk profile. With its earth dam design and uncontrolled spillway, the dam provides a valuable water resource for the community, managed and monitored to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

235

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-SOAP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.2

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

50

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.