Kieser Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Kieser Dam, located in Decatur County, Iowa, was completed in 1988 and serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

Owned privately, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and spans 405 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet, Kieser Dam primarily regulates the flow of the TR- Cobbville Creek, providing critical water resources to the surrounding area.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Kieser Dam has been deemed to have low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating. Although the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced by state regulatory agencies. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it is designed to handle a maximum discharge if necessary. While the dam has not been modified since its completion, it continues to play a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Overall, Kieser Dam is a key infrastructure asset in sustaining water resources and managing the local environment. Its strategic location and design ensure the safety and well-being of the community it serves. With a focus on fire protection, stock management, and ecological preservation, Kieser Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

405

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR- COBBVILLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.9

Drainage Area

0.22

Nid Storage

67

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.
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