Donney Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Donney Dam, located in Fort Dodge, Iowa, was completed in 1985 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection and providing a small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam is privately owned and regulated by the Iowa DNR, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The earth-type dam stands at 32 feet tall and spans 135 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 26 acre-feet.
Situated on the TR-DES MOINES R. river, Donney Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management for the area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular state inspection, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with regulations. The dam has not been assessed for its current condition but is deemed to meet safety guidelines, with emergency action plans in place for any potential risks.
Donney Dam's location in Webster County, Iowa, highlights its importance in providing water resources for both agricultural and environmental needs in the region. As a privately owned structure, the dam's maintenance and operation are overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. With a focus on fire protection and stock water supply, the dam plays a vital role in sustaining the local ecosystem and supporting the community's water needs.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
135 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-DES MOINES R. |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Drainage Area |
0.12 |
Nid Storage |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Des Moines River At Fort Dodge
|
1320cfs |
Des Moines River At Humboldt
|
401cfs |
East Fork Des Moines River At Dakota City
|
255cfs |
Boone River Near Webster City
|
232cfs |
Des Moines River Near Stratford
|
1720cfs |
Iowa River Near Rowan
|
195cfs |
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.
Donney Dam