Tjaden Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rooks Dam Walters Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Tjaden Dam, located in Gifford, Iowa, was completed in 1985 and is owned privately.
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Summary
The dam, designed by USDA NRCS, is primarily used for fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond. Standing at 30 feet high and 245 feet long, Tjaden Dam holds a normal storage capacity of 14 acre-feet and has a low hazard potential.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Tjaden Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. The dam, constructed with an earth type structure on soil foundation, serves the purpose of protecting the surrounding area against floods and providing water for recreational purposes. With a drainage area of 0.05 square miles and a surface area of 2 acres, the dam plays a significant role in water resource management in the region.
Despite being categorized as having a moderate risk (3) due to its condition assessment being "not rated," Tjaden Dam remains a crucial component of the region's water infrastructure. With its strategic location on the TR-S. FK. IOWA R. and its low hazard potential, the dam continues to serve its purpose effectively while being closely monitored for any potential risks or hazards.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
245 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-S. FK. IOWA R. |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.05 |
Nid Storage |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Fork Iowa River Ne Of New Providence
|
79cfs |
Iowa River At Marshalltown
|
1040cfs |
Timber Creek Near Marshalltown
|
37cfs |
Beaver Creek At New Hartford
|
123cfs |
South Skunk River Near Ames
|
92cfs |
Black Hawk Creek At Hudson
|
103cfs |
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.
Tjaden Dam