Hurlburt Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Smith Dam Oak Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Hurlburt Dam, located in St.
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Summary
Joseph, Iowa, is a private earth dam built in 1975 by the USDA NRCS. With a height of 24 feet and a length of 200 feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond. It has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3.6 acres, with a drainage area of 0.28 square miles along the TR-Purcell Creek.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Hurlburt Dam is regulated and inspected by the state to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam provides essential water resources for the surrounding area while also offering recreational opportunities for the community. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam continues to serve its primary purposes effectively while being monitored for any necessary maintenance or upgrades in the future.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR- PURCELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.28 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
East Fork Des Moines River At Dakota City
|
255cfs |
Des Moines River At Humboldt
|
401cfs |
Iowa River Near Rowan
|
195cfs |
Des Moines River At Fort Dodge
|
1320cfs |
Ocheyedan River Near Spencer
|
59cfs |
Boone River Near Webster City
|
232cfs |
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.
Hurlburt Dam