Fulton Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Fulton Dam, located in South River, Iowa, serves multiple purposes including fire protection and providing a small fish pond for the local community.


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Summary

Built in 1979 by the USDA NRCS, this private dam stands at a height of 30 feet and stretches 325 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 41 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

Situated on the TR-South Otter Creek, Fulton Dam is a crucial structure for water resource management in the area, with a drainage area of 0.18 square miles. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a surface area of 3 acres and a normal storage capacity of 16 acre-feet. While the dam's risk assessment has been rated as moderate, measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community. With its strategic location and multiple functions, Fulton Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Iowa.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Fulton Dam exemplifies the importance of private partnerships in maintaining and regulating critical water infrastructure. With its earth dam structure and soil foundation, the dam represents a sustainable approach to water management that balances environmental conservation with community needs. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, monitoring and supporting structures like Fulton Dam is essential to ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our water systems in the face of changing climate patterns and growing water demands.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

325

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH OTTER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.18

Nid Storage

41

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.