White Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

White Dam, located in Burlington, Iowa, is a private earth dam constructed by the USDA NRCS in 1988.


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Summary

The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. With a height of 40 feet and a length of 292 feet, White Dam has a storage capacity of 39 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2.3 acres. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality.

Although White Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential, it is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and is designed to handle a maximum discharge capacity. Despite not being currently rated for its condition, White Dam is maintained and monitored to meet regulatory standards. With its primary purpose being water resource management, White Dam plays a vital role in providing fire protection and supporting local wildlife and livestock.

Located on the TR- KNOTTY CREEK, White Dam is a key structure in the area, serving as a critical water resource for the community. With its strategic location and functional design, the dam showcases the importance of proper dam management and the role it plays in safeguarding water resources and mitigating climate-related risks in the region.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

292

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

TR- KNOTTY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.3

Drainage Area

0.08

Nid Storage

39

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
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.