Caputo Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Caputo Dam, located in Marshalltown, Iowa, was completed in 1978 and serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and providing a small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam, owned privately, is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. With a height of 21 feet and a length of 650 feet, Caputo Dam has a storage capacity of 97 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7 acres.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Caputo Dam is classified as an earth dam with a soil foundation. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it is considered to have a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam is situated on Burnett Creek and is part of the Detroit District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The risk management measures and emergency action plan status for Caputo Dam are currently not rated or updated, suggesting a need for further evaluation and preparedness.
Overall, Caputo Dam is an essential water resource infrastructure for the community, providing various benefits such as fire protection and recreational fishing opportunities. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are crucial to ensure the safety and resilience of the dam in the face of changing climate patterns and potential extreme weather events. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate sustainability will find Caputo Dam a fascinating case study in dam management and risk assessment.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
BURNETT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Drainage Area |
0.52 |
Nid Storage |
97 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Iowa River At Marshalltown
|
1040cfs |
Timber Creek Near Marshalltown
|
37cfs |
South Fork Iowa River Ne Of New Providence
|
79cfs |
Black Hawk Creek At Hudson
|
103cfs |
Richland Creek Near Haven
|
12cfs |
Wolf Creek Near Dysart
|
35cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Wolf Creek Rec Area
|
||
Union Grove State Park
|
||
Riverview Park - Marshalltown
|
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Timmons Grove County Park
|
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Grammer Grove Wildlife Area
|
Caputo Dam
BB Avenue Tama County