SNOFLO



ERICKSON DAM

RESERVOIR LEVELS
Soil Dam Tr-Des Moines River
April 8, 2025


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Erickson Dam, located in Fort Dodge, Iowa, was completed in 1978 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond. The dam is privately owned and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. It has a height of 28 feet and a length of 200 feet, with a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 25 acre-feet. The dam is classified as an earth dam with a soil foundation and a low hazard potential.

Situated on the TR-Des Moines River, Erickson Dam has a drainage area of 0.61 square miles and covers a surface area of 4 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in 1988, and it has not been rated for its current condition. While the dam does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or inundation maps prepared, it meets regulatory guidelines set by the Iowa DNR for inspection and enforcement.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Erickson Dam provides an interesting case study of a privately owned dam in Iowa. With its multiple purposes and moderate risk assessment, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper regulatory oversight and maintenance to ensure the safety and functionality of water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year_Completed 1978
Dam_Height 28
River_Or_Stream TR-DES MOINES RIVER
Dam_Length 200
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Surface_Area 4
Drainage_Area 0.61
Nid_Storage 40
Hazard_Potential Low
Foundations Soil
Nid_Height 28
       

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