Kistler Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Adam Dam Johnson Dam
Last Updated: December 26, 2025
Kistler Dam, located in Jefferson County, Iowa, is a private earth dam built in 1987 by the USDA NRCS for irrigation purposes along Troy Creek.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 15 feet and stretching 530 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7.8 acres. Despite its relatively low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
The dam's primary purpose is irrigation, with additional functions for fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond support. It is designed to hold back water using soil foundations and features an uncontrolled spillway. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, its risk management measures are in place to mitigate any potential hazards. The surrounding area, including the Big Cedar Creek community, benefits from the dam's water resource management and agricultural support, highlighting its crucial role in sustaining local ecosystems and livelihoods.
As a key infrastructure for water resource management in the region, Kistler Dam plays a vital role in supporting agricultural activities and ensuring water availability for the surrounding communities. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam stands as a reliable structure for irrigation purposes along Troy Creek. Ongoing state oversight and inspections further emphasize the importance of maintaining the dam's integrity and safety to safeguard both property and lives in the area.
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TROY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.55 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cedar Creek Near Oakland Mills
|
10cfs |
Des Moines River At Keosauqua
|
1800cfs |
Big Creek Near Mt. Pleasant
|
0cfs |
Des Moines River At Ottumwa
|
1090cfs |
North Skunk River Near Sigourney
|
97cfs |
Fox River At Bloomfield
|
7cfs |
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.
Kistler Dam