Iowa Noname86 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Iowa Noname86 is a state-regulated dam located in Fremont County, Iowa, near the city of Hamburg.


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Summary

Built in 1976, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. With a height of 63 feet and a storage capacity of 110 acre-feet, the dam spans a surface area of 4.1 acres and covers a drainage area of 0.09 square miles along the TR-West Nishnabotna River.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Noname86 has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its age, the dam's condition is currently listed as not rated, and it has not undergone recent inspections or condition assessments. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it does not have any associated locks or outlets. While the dam meets state regulatory requirements for permitting, inspection, and enforcement, there is limited information available on emergency action plans and risk management measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Iowa Noname86 presents an intriguing case study of a relatively small but multifunctional dam in the heart of the Midwest. Its location along a tributary of the Nishnabotna River and its role in providing essential services to the local community underscore the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions. As climate impacts continue to influence water availability and quality, understanding the resilience and vulnerabilities of dams like Iowa Noname86 is crucial for ensuring sustainable water management practices in the region.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Height

63

River Or Stream

TR-WEST NISHNABOTNA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.1

Drainage Area

0.09

Nid Storage

110

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

63
       
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.