Schaefer Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Schaefer Dam, located in Lucas County, Iowa, is a private earth dam completed in 1985 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

This low-hazard dam has a height of 26 feet and a length of 470 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 48 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Situated in the Red Rock Reservoir area along the TR- Stony Fork river, Schaefer Dam serves as a vital resource for water management and conservation in the region. With a moderate risk rating, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and soil foundation, providing essential flood control and water storage capabilities. Despite being privately owned, the dam plays a key role in maintaining water quality and supporting various recreational activities in the area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the significance of Schaefer Dam as a crucial infrastructure for water supply, irrigation, and wildlife habitat preservation. With its strategic location and function, the dam contributes to the sustainable management of water resources in Iowa, showcasing the importance of proper dam maintenance and regulatory oversight in ensuring long-term water security and environmental resilience.

Year Completed

1985

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR- STONY FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.8

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

48

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.