Redfield Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Freestone Dam Frette Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Redfield Dam, located in Dallas County, Iowa, along the Middle Raccoon River, serves as a key recreational site for water enthusiasts and climate lovers alike.
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Summary
Built in 1913, this gravity dam stands at a height of 9 feet and stretches 110 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 102 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, making it a relatively safe structure for public use.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Redfield Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and overall safety. Although the dam's condition assessment is currently rated as "Not Rated", it continues to serve its primary purpose of recreation for the surrounding community. With a surface area of 20 acres and a drainage area of 609 square miles, the dam provides a serene environment for outdoor activities and wildlife habitat along the river.
In the political landscape, the Rock Island District oversees the dam, while the Representative for the area, Cindy Axne, remains engaged in the ongoing management and maintenance of this vital water resource. As climate change presents new challenges, Redfield Dam stands as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in adapting to a changing climate and safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1913 |
Dam Length |
110 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
MIDDLE RACCOON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
20 |
Drainage Area |
609 |
Nid Storage |
102 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
|
92cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard
|
121cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
Beaver Creek Near Grimes
|
183cfs |
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.
Redfield Dam
Lake Panorama At Panora