Foix Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Foix Dam, located in Woodbury County, Iowa, is a private-owned structure built in 1992 for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and stretches for 604 feet, with a storage capacity of 143 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Garretson Ditch, the dam serves the community of Hornick and has a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Foix Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam meets guidelines for emergency action plans and risk management measures. With its uncontrolled spillway and surrounding drainage area of 0.54 square miles, Foix Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, providing essential services while maintaining a low-risk profile for potential hazards. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Foix Dam serves as a noteworthy example of private infrastructure contributing to community resilience and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1992

Dam Length

604

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

TR-GARRETSON DITCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

0.54

Nid Storage

143

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
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.