Garretson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Francy Site 3 Whaley/Williams Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Garretson Dam, located in Lowell, Iowa, is a privately-owned earth dam that was completed in 1988 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond. With a height of 28 feet and a length of 225 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 41 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2.7 acres. Situated on TR-Bogue Creek, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Garretson Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, with a risk assessment rating of 3. Although the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is regularly monitored to mitigate any potential risks. The dam does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, but it meets state guidelines for safety measures. Overall, Garretson Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, providing essential services such as fire protection and recreational opportunities for local residents and wildlife.
Year Completed |
1988 |
Dam Length |
225 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BOGUE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.11 |
Nid Storage |
41 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cedar Creek Near Oakland Mills
|
10cfs |
Big Creek Near Mt. Pleasant
|
0cfs |
Skunk River At Augusta
|
188cfs |
Des Moines River At Keosauqua
|
1800cfs |
Des Moines River At St. Francisville
|
1620cfs |
Fox River At Wayland
|
8cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Garretson Dam