Crittenden Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Crittenden Dam, located in Grand River, Iowa, was completed in 1977 and is primarily used for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

The dam, designed by the USDA NRCS, is an earth-type structure with a height of 29 feet and a length of 364 feet. It has a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a surface area of 2 acres, serving the TR-STAR BRANCH of the Rock Island District.

The dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state authorities. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3, Crittenden Dam is considered to be in good condition, although it has not been rated recently. Despite its small size and limited functions, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and environmental conservation in Union County, Iowa.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Crittenden Dam represents a vital piece of infrastructure that contributes to the protection and utilization of water resources in the region. Its design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflect a commitment to sustainable water management practices, while its state-regulated operations ensure the safety and integrity of the dam for the surrounding community. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, dams like Crittenden play a significant role in adapting to and mitigating the effects of these environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

364

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-STAR BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.