Seley Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Clyde Frizell Overmeyer Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Seley Dam, located in Macksburg, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1990 for fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond.
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Summary
Spanning 460 feet in length and standing at a height of 26 feet, it has a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3.1 acres. The dam is situated on TR- Marvel Creek and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating, Seley Dam has not been given a condition assessment. This lack of rating could be attributed to the absence of recent inspections or condition evaluations. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with no outlet gates or locks present. While the dam does not currently pose a significant risk, continued monitoring and maintenance will be essential to ensure its long-term safety and functionality. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Seley Dam will find its unique characteristics and regulatory oversight intriguing, making it a noteworthy structure in the region.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Length |
460 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR- MARVEL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.23 |
Nid Storage |
52 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
|
92cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard
|
121cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
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.
Seley Dam