James Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

James Dam, located in Warren County, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Iowa DNR.


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Summary

Completed in 1979, this earth dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 275 feet, James Dam has a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 37 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential, James Dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The dam's condition is currently not rated, with the last inspection dating back to June 1972. While the dam lacks certain safety features like outlet gates and spillways, it remains a crucial asset for water resource management in the region. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find James Dam's location on the Des Moines River and its role in protecting the local ecosystem intriguing.

As a key component of the water infrastructure in the area, James Dam underscores the importance of maintaining and assessing the condition of dams to prevent potential risks. With its historical significance and continuing role in water management, James Dam serves as a reminder of the vital connection between water resources, climate, and human intervention in shaping the landscape.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

275

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.4

Drainage Area

0.38

Nid Storage

72

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.