Skidmore Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Skidmore Dam, located in Louisa County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1989 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 21 feet and spans 320 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet. Situated on Turkey Run, the dam serves as a crucial water resource in the area, with a surface area of 5.1 acres and a drainage area of 0.2 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Skidmore Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam plays a vital role in flood control and water storage in the region. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam's risk management measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.

Although Skidmore Dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place, its strategic location and design contribute to its effective water management capabilities. As a key infrastructure in the area, the dam continues to support agricultural activities and wildlife habitat while maintaining a low-risk profile for the community. With its controlled spillway and soil foundation, Skidmore Dam stands as a reliable water resource structure for both fire protection and ecological conservation efforts in Louisa County, Iowa.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR- TURKEY RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.1

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

68

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.