Jones Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Clark Dam Iowa Noname10
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Jones Dam, located in Decatur County, Iowa, is a private earth dam with a primary purpose of providing fire protection and serving as a stock or small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1992 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 462 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 146 acre-feet and a surface area of 5.4 acres, the dam controls the flow of the TR- Little River.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Jones Dam is subject to state regulation and inspection by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate, with a rating of 3 on a scale of 1 to 5. While the condition of the dam is currently not rated, its purpose and design make it a crucial element for water resource management and climate resilience in the region. Climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals alike can appreciate the role that Jones Dam plays in maintaining water supply and protecting against potential hazards.
As an essential structure for fire protection and water storage, Jones Dam demonstrates the importance of proper dam management and maintenance in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources. Its location in a rural setting highlights the significance of small dams in supporting local communities and ecosystems. With ongoing state regulation and inspection, Jones Dam serves as a model for responsible dam ownership and operation in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1992 |
Dam Length |
462 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR- LITTLE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.63 |
Nid Storage |
146 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Jones Dam