Ripperger Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Ripperger Dam, located in Union County, Iowa, was completed in 1983 and is primarily used for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state inspections and enforcement. Designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a length of 285 feet, with a storage capacity of 26 acre-feet.

Situated on the TR-Twomile Creek, Ripperger Dam serves as a crucial water resource in the region, providing a surface area of 1.5 acres and normal storage of 14 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, the dam is categorized as not rated in terms of condition assessment. Despite lacking an Emergency Action Plan and inundation maps, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and is overseen by the Iowa DNR for any necessary risk management measures.

Supported by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ripperger Dam plays a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in the area. With its controlled spillway and soil foundation, the dam serves as a significant infrastructure for the local community, contributing to the overall resilience and sustainability of water resources in Union County, Iowa.

Year Completed

1983

Dam Length

285

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR- TWOMILE CR.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.5

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

26

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.