Sandven Dam dam
Sandven Dam
Sandven Dam, located in Dakota City, Iowa, is a privately owned structure that serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. Constructed in 1988 by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), this earth dam stands at a height of 36 feet and spans a length of 200 feet, providing a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet. Situated on the TR- E. Branch Des Moines River, the dam has a low hazard potential and is regulated and inspected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Sandven Dam is deemed to have a manageable level of risk. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is primarily used for water storage and conservation purposes. Despite not having a condition assessment rating, the dam is considered to be in a satisfactory condition for its intended functions. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks an emergency action plan, its risk management measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of the surrounding area in case of any potential incidents.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sandven Dam offers a glimpse into the importance of small-scale water infrastructure for local communities. Serving as a vital resource for fire protection and agricultural activities, this dam represents a sustainable approach to water management in the region. Its strategic location and design make it a key component in the conservation and utilization of water resources in the Humboldt County area.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Sandven Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| East Fork Des Moines River At Dakota City | 741 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At Humboldt | 1,190 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At Fort Dodge | 2,170 cfs | → |
| Iowa River Near Rowan | 218 cfs | → |
| Boone River Near Webster City | 364 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River Near Stratford | 2,870 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Sandven Dam.
Track Sandven Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Sandven Dam
Where does the data for Sandven Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Sandven Dam.