Virden Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Virden Creek Dam, located in Black Hawk County, Iowa, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Virden Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1979 by the DAEN NCR, this earth dam stands at a height of 39 feet and stretches for 3040 feet, with a storage capacity of 8300 acre-feet. The dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and effectiveness in mitigating flood hazards in the region.

With a spillway width of 156 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, Virden Creek Dam is designed to handle high hazard potential situations, as assessed by state regulatory agencies. Its condition is deemed satisfactory, with a moderate risk level of 3. The dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are yet to be updated, but the structure continues to meet flood risk reduction purposes efficiently. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Virden Creek Dam stands as a vital infrastructure safeguarding the surrounding communities from potential flooding events, highlighting the importance of proactive dam maintenance and management practices.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

3040

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

VIRDEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

8.53

Nid Storage

8300

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

39
       
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.