Mc Aninch Dam dam
Mc Aninch Dam
Mc Aninch Dam, located in Warren County, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Iowa DNR. Completed in 1981, this earth dam stands at 27 feet tall and stretches 350 feet in length, serving primarily for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes. With a maximum storage capacity of 80 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.8 acres, the dam sits on the TR- Middle R. river/stream, contributing to flood control and water resource management in the area.
Despite its low hazard potential, Mc Aninch Dam poses moderate risk, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and adherence to safety guidelines. While the condition assessment remains unrated and certain emergency preparedness measures are lacking, the dam plays a crucial role in water conservation and management efforts in the region. As a key feature of the Red Rock Reservoir area, the dam's impact on the local ecosystem and water supply underscores the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term viability and safety for both human and environmental interests.
With its uncontrolled spillway and soil foundation, Mc Aninch Dam represents a vital piece of infrastructure for the community, supporting agricultural activities, wildlife habitats, and recreational opportunities. As climate change brings about more frequent and intense weather events, the dam's role in mitigating flood risks and preserving water resources becomes increasingly significant. By staying vigilant in its upkeep and management, Mc Aninch Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship in safeguarding our waterways for future generations.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Mc Aninch Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Middle River Near Indianola | 743 cfs | → |
| South River Near Ackworth | 895 cfs | → |
| North River Near Norwalk | 804 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River Blw Raccoon Riv At Des Moines | 9,310 cfs | → |
| Fourmile Creek At Des Moines | 217 cfs | → |
| Raccoon River At Fleur Drive | 3,040 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Mc Aninch Dam.
Boat launches
- Polk County
- Southeast Vandalia Drive Pleasant Hill
- County Park Des Moines
- Kruidenier Trail Des Moines
- Birdland Park Boat Launch
Track Mc Aninch Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Mc Aninch Dam
Where does the data for Mc Aninch Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Mc Aninch Dam.