Van Scoy Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Vowell Dam Bishop/Barrows Dam
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Van Scoy Dam, located in Hanley, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam with a height of 24 feet and a length of 582 feet.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1985 by the USDA NRCS, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. With a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet and a surface area of 6.3 acres, the dam regulates the flow of the Jones Creek river.
Managed and regulated by the Iowa DNR, Van Scoy Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has not undergone recent inspections or risk assessments, and emergency action plans are not up to date. The surrounding area of Madison, Iowa benefits from the water resource provided by the dam, but there may be room for improvement in terms of risk management and emergency preparedness.
Climate and water resource enthusiasts interested in Van Scoy Dam can appreciate its role in providing water storage and management for the local community. The dam's design and purpose align with sustainable practices, but there is a need for enhanced inspection and emergency response protocols to ensure the safety and efficiency of this vital infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
582 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-JONES CR. |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.27 |
Nid Storage |
77 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
Middle River Near Indianola
|
48cfs |
South River Near Ackworth
|
18cfs |
Raccoon River At 63rd Street At Des Moines
|
587cfs |
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.
Van Scoy Dam