Kesler Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Located in Hamilton County, Iowa, Kesler Dam is a private-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1984, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and spans 160 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet. The dam is situated along the TR-Boone River and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
Kesler Dam, managed by a private owner, serves as a crucial reservoir for water storage in the region, with a surface area of 2 acres and a drainage area of 0.18 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam is classified as uncontrolled spillway type with a spillway width of 0 feet. While the condition assessment is not rated, the dam has not undergone any modifications since its completion and does not have an emergency action plan in place.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Kesler Dam to be an interesting site for its unique design by the USDA NRCS and its primary purpose of providing fire protection and supporting small-scale aquatic life. With its location along the Des Moines River and proximity to the Rock Island District, the dam plays a significant role in water management within the area. Though it poses a moderate risk, the dam's low hazard potential and lack of a rated condition assessment suggest a stable operational status, making it a noteworthy structure for conservation and monitoring efforts.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
160 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR- BOONE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.18 |
Nid Storage |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Boone River Near Webster City
|
232cfs |
Des Moines River Near Stratford
|
1720cfs |
South Skunk River Near Ames
|
92cfs |
Des Moines River At Fort Dodge
|
1320cfs |
Squaw Creek At Ames
|
53cfs |
South Skunk River Below Squaw Creek Near Ames
|
130cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Kesler Dam
County Road D46 Webster County