Dudley Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Dudley Dam, located in Rathbun Reservoir, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1989, the earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans 400 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 123 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres, the dam serves the surrounding area by regulating the flow of the TR-Chariton River.
Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Dudley Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has not been rated for its condition assessment. With its strategic location and critical role in water resource management, Dudley Dam is a key component in the region's infrastructure for water storage and conservation. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dudley Dam offers a fascinating example of how human-made structures can effectively manage water resources while minimizing environmental impact.
Year Completed |
1989 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHARITON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Drainage Area |
0.52 |
Nid Storage |
123 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Dudley Dam
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