Ripperger Dam dam
Ripperger Dam
Ripperger Dam, located in Warren County, Iowa, serves as a crucial water resource for fire protection, stock maintenance, and small fish pond activities. Built in 1989, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet with a length of 420 feet, providing a storage capacity of 147 acre-feet. Situated on TR- Felters Branch, the dam's primary purpose is to safeguard the surrounding area from potential flooding and to support various agricultural and recreational activities in the region.
Managed by a private owner, Ripperger Dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam plays a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in the area. Despite not having an official condition rating, the dam's historical significance and strategic location make it a key asset for climate enthusiasts and water resource management professionals alike.
As a part of the Kansas City District, Ripperger Dam's design and construction were overseen by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), emphasizing its commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. With its controlled spillway and ample storage capacity, the dam demonstrates a thoughtful approach to water resource management, highlighting the importance of balancing human needs with ecological considerations in a changing climate.
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 Ripperger Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Middle River Near Indianola | 1,450 cfs | → |
| North River Near Norwalk | 704 cfs | → |
| South River Near Ackworth | 9,780 cfs | → |
| Raccoon River Near West Des Moines | 1,320 cfs | → |
| Raccoon River At 63rd Street At Des Moines | 2,670 cfs | → |
| Raccoon River At Fleur Drive | 3,010 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Ripperger Dam.
Boat launches
- 118th Avenue Warren County
- Pershing Street Warren County
- County Park Des Moines
- Walnut Woods Drive West Des Moines
- Raccoon River Park Trail West Des Moines
- 120th Street Madison County
Campgrounds
- Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground
- Cherry Glen Campground
- Acorn Valley Campground
- Longbeard Camp
- White Oak Camp
- Black Oak Camp
More reservoirs
Track Ripperger 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 Ripperger Dam
Where does the data for Ripperger 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 Ripperger Dam.