Goos-Miller Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Goos-Miller Dam, located in Mills County, Iowa, is a privately-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1986.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a length of 850 feet, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 74 acre-feet. The primary purposes of the dam are for fire protection, livestock watering, and small fish pond management, serving as a crucial resource for the local community.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Goos-Miller Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and compliance with state requirements. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is rated as moderate risk (level 3) due to various factors. While the dam's condition assessment is not rated, it is important for stakeholders and water resource enthusiasts to stay informed about risk management measures and emergency action plans for this structure.

With its location on TR-Silver Creek and under the jurisdiction of the Iowa DNR, Goos-Miller Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. As a significant infrastructure for the community, this dam symbolizes the intersection of human ingenuity, natural resources, and environmental stewardship in ensuring water security for current and future generations.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-SILVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.3

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

74

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.