Crawford Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Crawford Dam, located in Washta, Iowa, is a private-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS in 1979 for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
The dam, built of earth and soil foundations, stands at a height of 29 feet with a length of 240 feet, holding a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Little Sioux River, the dam covers a surface area of 2.7 acres within a drainage area of 0.31 square miles.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Crawford Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. Although it has an uncontrolled spillway type and no outlet gates, the dam has not undergone any modifications or inspections in recent years. Despite its simple structure, Crawford Dam serves as a vital resource for water management and conservation in Cherokee County, Iowa.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Crawford Dam an intriguing piece of infrastructure, serving multiple purposes while contributing to the local ecosystem. Its location on the TR-Little Sioux River and ownership by a private entity add to the uniqueness of this earth dam. As water security becomes increasingly important, understanding the features and management of dams like Crawford Dam is crucial for ensuring sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
240 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE SIOUX RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.31 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Little Sioux River At Linn Grove
|
257cfs |
Floyd River At Alton
|
36cfs |
Floyd River At James
|
187cfs |
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
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.
Crawford Dam