Leisure Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Leisure Dam, located in Richland, Iowa, was completed in 1963 and is primarily used for fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond.


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Summary

Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a height of 25 feet and a length of 300 feet, Leisure Dam has a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6.6 acres.

Constructed by the USDA NRCS, Leisure Dam is classified as an earth dam with a soil foundation. Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam is rated as having a moderate risk due to its location near the Richland Creek. The spillway type is uncontrolled, and there are no outlet gates or locks associated with the dam. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and has not experienced any major modifications since its construction.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Leisure Dam presents an interesting case study in dam management and risk assessment. With its location in Jefferson County and proximity to the Richland Creek, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water for fire protection and stock, while also serving as a recreational area for small fish ponds. As an earth dam with a moderate risk rating, the dam's maintenance and inspection are essential to ensure its continued safety and functionality in the face of potential climate impacts.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-RICHLAND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.6

Drainage Area

0.41

Nid Storage

75

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.