Carson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Reinert Dam Spring Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Carson Dam, located in Cherokee, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1977 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and providing water for stock or small fish ponds. With a height of 32 feet and a length of 310 feet, Carson Dam has a storage capacity of 23 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2.3 acres.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Carson Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate. Its condition is currently labeled as "Not Rated," with the last assessment conducted in July 2018. While the dam has not undergone any modifications or emergency action plan updates recently, its overall risk management measures and inundation maps preparedness remain unspecified. The dam's location along the TR-Little Sioux River makes it an essential structure for water resource management in the region, attracting climate enthusiasts and water conservationists alike.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
310 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE SIOUX RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.32 |
Nid Storage |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Sioux River At Linn Grove
|
257cfs |
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
Floyd River At Alton
|
36cfs |
Ocheyedan River Near Spencer
|
59cfs |
Floyd River At James
|
187cfs |
North Raccoon River Near Sac City
|
312cfs |
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.
Carson Dam