Carpenter Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Carpenter Dam, located in Indianola, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by Vance & Hochstetler.


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Summary

Completed in 1977, this earth dam stands at a height of 48 feet and has a length of 505 feet. The primary purpose of Carpenter Dam is for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond, with additional recreational opportunities. The dam has a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3.8 acres, serving the TR-SOUTH RIVER in Warren County.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Carpenter Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam poses minimal risk to surrounding areas. Although the condition assessment is not rated, the dam is regularly inspected, with the last inspection conducted in October 2003.

Carpenter Dam, with its peaceful surroundings and recreational opportunities, serves as a vital water resource and contributes to the local ecosystem. Water and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the dam's role in providing fire protection, supporting wildlife, and offering recreational activities. As a key feature in the Kansas City District, Carpenter Dam stands as a testament to responsible water management and conservation efforts in Iowa.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

505

Dam Height

48

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.8

Drainage Area

0.04

Nid Storage

58

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

48
       
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.