Fritz Dam dam
Fritz Dam
Fritz Dam, located in Burlington, Iowa, was completed in 1985 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection and creating a small fish pond. This private dam, standing at a height of 26 feet and a length of 171 feet, has a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2 acres. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to ensure its safety and functionality.
Situated on the TR- KNOTTY CR. river or stream in Des Moines County, Fritz Dam is owned by a private entity and is under state jurisdiction and permitting. The dam's earth structure with a soil foundation is designed for fire protection and stock purposes. Despite the lack of outlet gates and a controlled spillway, the dam's risk management measures are in place to mitigate any potential hazards. Overall, Fritz Dam provides a valuable resource for water storage and conservation in the area while also supporting local wildlife and recreational activities.
With its location in a scenic area of Iowa, Fritz Dam not only serves as a practical water resource but also adds to the natural beauty of the surroundings. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam has been designed to withstand the test of time and to meet the needs of the community. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the intricate details and functions of Fritz Dam make it a fascinating subject to study and appreciate for its role in sustaining the ecosystem and enhancing the local environment.
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 Fritz Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Skunk River At Augusta | 7,550 cfs | → |
| Henderson Creek Near Oquawka | 325 cfs | → |
| Iowa River At Wapello | 11,400 cfs | → |
| Pope Creek Near Keithsburg | 107 cfs | → |
| Big Creek Near Mt. Pleasant | 148 cfs | → |
| Edwards River Near New Boston | 246 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Fritz Dam.
Boat launches
- High Street Burlington
- Des Moines County
- Schuyler Street Oquawka
- Diversion Channel Des Moines County
- Putney's Landing Access Road Henderson County
- 20th Street 1000, Louisa County
Track Fritz 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 Fritz Dam
Where does the data for Fritz 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 Fritz Dam.