J.S.C. Farms Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

J.S.C.


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Summary

Farms Dam, located in Dallas County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1989. This dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and creating a small fish pond, with a primary focus on stock and water storage. With a height of 32 feet and a length of 485 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4.1 acres, providing essential resources for the local area.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, J.S.C. Farms Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. Though the dam has a low hazard potential, it has a moderate risk rating of 3, prompting the need for risk management measures. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, its strategic location on TR- Bulger Creek enhances its importance in water resource management and climate conservation efforts in the region.

Despite being privately owned, J.S.C. Farms Dam plays a crucial role in water storage and conservation efforts, contributing to fire protection and supporting local aquatic ecosystems. With its strategic design and management by the USDA NRCS and Iowa DNR, this dam serves as a valuable resource for the community, demonstrating the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

485

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR- BULGER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.1

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

52

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.