Fairbank Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fairbank Dam, located in Fairbank, Iowa, along the Little Wapsipinicon River, serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1880, this gravity dam stands at a height of 12 feet and stretches 290 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 413 acre-feet. The dam is state-regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets necessary inspection, permitting, and enforcement standards to ensure public safety.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Fairbank Dam is deemed to pose a manageable level of risk. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, it remains under the jurisdiction of the local government for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Despite its age, Fairbank Dam continues to provide valuable recreational opportunities for the community, offering a serene waterfront setting for outdoor enthusiasts and water resource aficionados alike to enjoy. As a vital piece of infrastructure in the region, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all who visit.

Year Completed

1880

Dam Length

290

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

LITTLE WAPSIPINICON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

70

Drainage Area

125

Nid Storage

413

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

12
       
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.