Carlson Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Carlson Dam, located in Audubon County, Iowa, was completed in 1950 and is owned privately.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and has a length of 565 feet. With a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond, the dam serves to provide water storage for various uses. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, with no recent condition assessment available.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Carlson Dam is state-regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a storage capacity of 188 acre-feet and a surface area of 13.5 acres. Despite being uncontrolled, the dam has a spillway width of 0 and poses a low risk of inundation. With its location on TR-FOUR MILE CR, Carlson Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, supporting local fire protection and agricultural needs.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
565 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TR-FOUR MILE CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.29 |
Nid Storage |
188 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Carlson Dam