Bruehahn Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Clayton County, Iowa, the Bruehahn Dam was completed in 1971 by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and stretches 410 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is subject to state inspection, enforcement, and permitting.

Situated on TR- Hickory Creek near the Mississippi River, the Bruehahn Dam serves as a low hazard potential structure with a moderate risk assessment rating. Its uncontrolled spillway and soil foundation ensure the safety of the surrounding area, while the dam's condition remains unrated. The dam's design and construction were funded and overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, making it a vital resource for water management in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Bruehahn Dam offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of infrastructure, conservation, and environmental stewardship. With its strategic location, purposeful design, and regulatory oversight, this dam represents a sustainable solution for water storage and management in the state of Iowa. Its significance in ensuring fire protection, stock maintenance, and ecological balance underscores the importance of responsible water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

410

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR- HICKORY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.4

Drainage Area

0.33

Nid Storage

53

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.