Abell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Abell Dam, located in Union County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1987 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond, with a normal storage capacity of 7 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-GRAND RIVER, the dam has a height of 32 feet and a length of 270 feet, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Abell Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it has a surface area of 0.9 acres and a drainage area of 0.17 square miles. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam is regularly monitored for any potential risks or issues that may arise, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining its integrity and safeguarding the surrounding area from flooding or other hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Abell Dam presents a fascinating case study in dam engineering and management, highlighting the importance of balancing multiple uses and purposes while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Its location in a rural setting and its modest size make it a valuable asset for local fire protection and agricultural purposes, while also serving as a small habitat for fish and wildlife. As efforts continue to evaluate and mitigate potential risks associated with dams, Abell Dam stands as a testament to responsible stewardship and the essential role of water infrastructure in supporting communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

270

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR- GRAND RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.9

Drainage Area

0.17

Nid Storage

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.