Voss Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Voss Dam, located in Keokuk, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1987 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 26 feet and a length of 390 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 128 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 9.9 acres. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safe operation.

Situated on the TR-S. FK. ENGLISH CR. river system, Voss Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Although the dam has not been rated for its condition, it meets state jurisdiction requirements and is regularly inspected for any necessary maintenance or repairs. The dam does not have a controlled spillway but is designed for uncontrolled overflow in the event of heavy rainfall or flooding. Overall, Voss Dam serves as a crucial water resource for the local community and demonstrates the importance of proper management and regulation of earth dams for water conservation and safety in Iowa.

Owned by a private entity, Voss Dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the area, providing essential services for fire protection and stock purposes. With its completion in 1987, the dam has been a key feature in the local landscape, offering storage for up to 128 acre-feet of water and covering a drainage area of 0.14 square miles. As a regulated structure under the Iowa DNR, Voss Dam exemplifies the cooperation between private owners and state agencies in ensuring the safety and functionality of water infrastructure in the region.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

390

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR- S. FK. ENGLISH CR.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.9

Drainage Area

0.14

Nid Storage

128

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.