Masters Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Masters Dam, located in Lucas County, Iowa, is a private earth dam completed in 1984 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes on the TR-English Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 30 feet and a length of 310 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 48 acre-feet and a surface area of 3 acres, serving as a vital resource for the local community. Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as being in moderate risk, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and risk management measures.

Despite its modest size, Masters Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, with a drainage area of 0.12 square miles. The dam's uncontrolled spillway type and soil foundation contribute to its operational efficiency, ensuring the safety of downstream areas during periods of high water flow. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, its compliance with state regulatory agencies for permitting, inspection, and enforcement reflects a commitment to maintaining its structural integrity and functionality for the long term.

As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Masters Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in mitigating the impacts of climate change. With its primary purpose of providing essential services to the community, including fire protection and recreational opportunities, the dam serves as a critical asset in ensuring the resilience of the region's water supply in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

310

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR- ENGLISH CR.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

48

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.