Young Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Young Dam, located in Polk County, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Iowa DNR.


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Summary

Completed in 1980, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and stretches 540 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond, serving the surrounding area within the Saylorville Reservoir.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Young Dam has not been assessed for its condition but is not currently rated. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and lack of outlet gates, the dam poses minimal risk to the surrounding area. The structure sits along the TR- Mosquito Creek, contributing to a drainage area of 0.25 square miles and a surface area of 4.4 acres.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate Young Dam as a vital component of the local ecosystem, providing essential services for fire protection and livestock. Its presence in the landscape of Polk County, Iowa, highlights the importance of proper dam management and inspection to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

540

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR- MOSQUITO CR.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.4

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

58

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.