Hansell Farms Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Hansell Farms Dam, located in Decatur County, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) with a primary purpose of providing fire protection and serving as a stock or small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1991, this earth dam stands at 23 feet high and spans 430 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR- Little River, within the Little River Reservoir area, and is under the regulatory oversight of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Despite its low hazard potential, Hansell Farms Dam poses a moderate risk due to its lack of a condition assessment and emergency action plan. The dam's condition is currently listed as "not rated," and there is no information available regarding its last inspection date or the frequency of inspections. While the dam meets state permitting and inspection requirements, there is room for improvement in terms of emergency preparedness and risk management measures.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hansell Farms Dam presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of agricultural water management and environmental conservation. With its focus on fire protection and stock pond functions, this dam serves as a vital resource for the local community while also raising questions about the need for comprehensive risk assessment and emergency response planning in the face of a changing climate. By examining the management practices and regulatory framework surrounding Hansell Farms Dam, researchers and policymakers can gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable water resource management in the Midwest region.
Year Completed |
1991 |
Dam Length |
430 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR- LITTLE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.27 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Hansell Farms Dam