Jorgensen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Burhans Dam West Dam
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Jorgensen Dam, located in Madison, Iowa, is a private earth dam designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1990.
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Summary
With a height of 36 feet and a length of 235 feet, this dam primarily serves the purposes of fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. It has a normal storage capacity of 24 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2.4 acres, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Jorgensen Dam is state-regulated, inspected, and permitted. Situated on the TR- Middle River, this dam is crucial for water resource management in the area. Despite not having a spillway or outlet gates, the dam is considered structurally sound and has not been rated for condition assessment yet. With its strategic location and purpose, Jorgensen Dam plays a vital role in ensuring water availability for fire protection and livestock in the region, making it a significant asset for both the local community and the environment.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Length |
235 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TR- MIDDLE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.09 |
Nid Storage |
36 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
Middle River Near Indianola
|
48cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
Raccoon River At 63rd Street At Des Moines
|
587cfs |
South River Near Ackworth
|
18cfs |
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.
Jorgensen Dam