Monona County Roadgrade Dam 23-82-43 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Monona County Roadgrade Dam 23-82-43, located in Moorhead, Iowa, is a local government-owned structure regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1988, this earth dam on Elk Creek stands at 29 feet tall and stretches 180 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. The dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and has a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating.

Despite its low hazard potential, Monona County Roadgrade Dam 23-82-43 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a normal storage capacity of 5 acre-feet and a drainage area of 13.5 square miles. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and soil foundation contribute to its overall structural integrity. While the dam's condition has not been officially rated, it is subject to state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure public safety and optimal performance.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Monona County Roadgrade Dam 23-82-43 presents an opportunity to study the impact of local government-owned structures on flood control and water management in the region. With its location on Elk Creek and its association with the Rock Island District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, this dam serves as a key infrastructure piece in the broader network of water resource management in Monona County, Iowa, making it an important subject for further research and analysis.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

180

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

ELK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Drainage Area

13.5

Nid Storage

75

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.