Schwab Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Located in Decatur County, Iowa, the Schwab Dam is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1978, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 450 feet, with a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is used for water resource management in the area.

The Schwab Dam is situated on the TR-West Fork Big Creek and serves as a vital resource for the surrounding community in Bethany, Missouri. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam is not currently rated for condition assessment but is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state regulatory agencies. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, it continues to play a crucial role in water storage and management for local fire protection and agricultural purposes.

While the Schwab Dam does not have a controlled spillway, it is equipped with uncontrolled spillway measures to manage excess water flow. With its soil foundation and earth structure, the dam provides essential storage for 33 acre-feet of water under normal conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Schwab Dam showcases the importance of sustainable water management practices in rural Iowa and highlights the collaborative efforts between private owners, federal agencies, and state regulators to ensure the safety and efficiency of water infrastructure in the region.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-WEST FORK BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

0.21

Nid Storage

57

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.