Hidden Acres Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Hidden Acres Dam, located in Fraser, Iowa, along the TR-Des Moines River, was completed in 1990 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Owned by a private entity, the dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a length of 230 feet. With a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.25 square miles, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock pond, and small fish pond in addition to recreation.

Managed and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Hidden Acres Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place and its risk management measures are yet to be determined. With its uncontrolled spillway type and proximity to the Des Moines River, the dam presents an opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore the intersection of recreational use, environmental impact, and risk mitigation in dam infrastructure.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

230

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

TR- DES MOINES RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

1.25

Nid Storage

100

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.