Ayers Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pender Dam Young Dam
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Located in Madison County, Iowa, Ayers Dam is a privately owned earth dam built in 1988 by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) for fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond.
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Summary
With a height of 37 feet and a length of 310 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 28 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2 acres. Situated on TR-Clanton Creek, Ayers Dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
The dam has a low hazard potential and is classified as having a moderate risk level on a scale of 1 to 5. While the condition of Ayers Dam is currently not rated, it meets state guidelines for emergency action plans (EAP) and risk management measures. Despite not being under the jurisdiction of any federal agency, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and has no outlet gates or associated locks. Ayers Dam serves as an essential resource for fire protection and water storage in the area, contributing to the conservation and management of water resources in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Ayers Dam for its role in providing essential services such as fire protection and stock or fish pond storage. As a privately owned structure in Iowa, the dam is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure its safety and compliance. With its modest size and moderate risk level, Ayers Dam highlights the importance of proper maintenance and management of earth dams for water resource conservation and community safety.
Year Completed |
1988 |
Dam Length |
310 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
TR- CLANTON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.06 |
Nid Storage |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
Middle River Near Indianola
|
48cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
South River Near Ackworth
|
18cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
Raccoon River At 63rd Street At Des Moines
|
587cfs |
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.
Ayers Dam