Elias Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Elias Dam, located in Crescent, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1955 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purposes of fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 36 feet and has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 26 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Campbell Creek, the dam serves as a vital resource for water management in Harrison County.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Elias Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. With a drainage area of 0.27 square miles, the dam provides essential water storage and flood control benefits for the surrounding area. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Elias Dam to be an intriguing example of sustainable water infrastructure supporting local communities in Iowa.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TR- CAMPBELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.27 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
West Nishnabotna River At Hancock
|
154cfs |
Soldier River At Pisgah
|
112cfs |
Missouri River At Omaha
|
17700cfs |
Big Papillion Cr
|
38cfs |
East Nishnabotna River Near Atlantic
|
143cfs |
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.
Elias Dam