Vos Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Vos Dam, located in Plymouth County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1979 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 23 feet and stretches 390 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is situated along the Big Sioux River, serving as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Vos Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, with a risk assessment rating of 3. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, it undergoes state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway type and is located on TR-Broken Kettle Creek, with a drainage area of 0.04 square miles, serving as a vital structure for water management in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by Vos Dam's role in providing fire protection, stock, and fish pond services, as well as its significance in managing water resources along the Big Sioux River. With its moderate risk level and state-regulated status, the dam showcases the importance of proper inspection and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

390

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-BROKEN KETTLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.04

Nid Storage

51

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.