Maxwell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Maxwell Dam, located in Union County, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1983, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a length of 460 feet, with a primary purpose of providing fire protection and serving as a small fish pond. The dam has a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet, with a surface area of 4.9 acres and a drainage area of 0.36 square miles.

This low hazard dam on Two Mile Creek features an uncontrolled spillway and has a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam is inspected by state regulatory agencies and meets all necessary safety and enforcement guidelines. While an emergency action plan and inundation maps have not been prepared for this structure, it is reassuring to know that Maxwell Dam has been constructed and managed in a way that prioritizes the safety of nearby residents and the surrounding environment. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Maxwell Dam serves as an example of responsible dam ownership and management in the state of Iowa.

Year Completed

1983

Dam Length

460

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR- TWOMILE CR.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.9

Drainage Area

0.36

Nid Storage

73

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.