Cheers Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Cheers Dam, located in Union County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1970 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
With a height of 18 feet and a length of 390 feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection and creating a small fish pond. Its storage capacity is 56 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 22 acre-feet and a surface area of 4 acres. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.
The dam is situated on Squaw Creek and is designed to handle low hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating. It does not have outlet gates or locks, and its spillway is uncontrolled. Despite being in operation for over 50 years, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "not rated," indicating a need for further evaluation. The surrounding area is at a moderate risk of potential dam failure, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures to protect downstream communities and ecosystems.
Cheers Dam represents a vital water resource for the local area, providing essential fire protection and recreational opportunities. As a key contributor to the water management infrastructure in Union County, the dam's maintenance and regulation by the Iowa DNR are crucial to ensuring the safety and sustainability of the surrounding environment. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the dam's unique design and function, as well as the ongoing efforts to manage its potential risks and safeguard its long-term viability.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
390 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR- SQUAW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.35 |
Nid Storage |
56 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Cheers Dam