Cole Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cole Dam, located in Rome, Iowa, was completed in 1991 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection and as a small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 27 feet and a length of 350 feet, was designed by the USDA NRCS and is owned and regulated by a private entity in coordination with the Iowa DNR. Situated on the TR-Middle Walnut Creek, the dam has a low hazard potential and is classified as an earth dam with a soil foundation.

With a normal storage capacity of 27 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 42 acre-feet, Cole Dam covers a surface area of 3.8 acres and drains a 0.06 square mile area. The dam does not have a controlled spillway and is not equipped with outlet gates or locks. While the condition of the dam has not been rated, it is inspected, permitted, and regulated by the Iowa DNR to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The risk assessment for Cole Dam is moderate, with measures in place to manage any potential risks associated with the structure.

Overall, Cole Dam plays a crucial role in providing water resource management and protection in the Jefferson County area of Iowa. With its strategic location and multiple purposes, the dam serves as a valuable asset for the community while also maintaining a low hazard potential and adhering to state regulatory standards. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the design, function, and management of Cole Dam as an important component of the local ecosystem.

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-MIDDLE WALNUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.8

Drainage Area

0.06

Nid Storage

42

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.