Bishop Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bishop Dam, located in Jefferson County, Iowa, was completed in 1988 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam is privately owned and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. With a height of 22 feet and a length of 365 feet, Bishop Dam has a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.9 acres, making it a significant water resource in the area.

Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, Bishop Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam is primarily made of earth with a soil foundation and is designed to have an uncontrolled spillway. While the condition assessment of the dam is not rated, it is regularly inspected by the state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is situated on TR- Cedar Creek, a tributary in the Rock Island District, and is essential for water management and conservation in the region.

With its strategic location and purposeful design, Bishop Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area. As a key structure for fire protection and aquatic life support, the dam provides essential benefits to the local community. Its regulation by the Iowa DNR and consistent inspections ensure its reliability and safety, making it a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

365

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TR- CEDAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.9

Drainage Area

0.21

Nid Storage

64

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.