Hedstrom Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Hedstrom Dam, located in Hawleyville, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Iowa DNR.


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Summary

Completed in 1991, this earth dam stands at 25 feet high and stretches 470 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 43 acre-feet. The dam serves primarily for fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond, covering a surface area of 3.5 acres and draining a 0.12 square mile watershed.

Despite its low hazard potential, Hedstrom Dam poses a moderate risk due to its location on TR- Long Branch and the lack of an updated emergency action plan. The dam's condition is currently not rated, with no recent inspection or assessment reported. While the dam is not under the jurisdiction of federal agencies, it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements, ensuring its safe operation and compliance with regulatory standards.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the unique features of Hedstrom Dam, including its soil foundation, uncontrolled spillway type, and moderate risk assessment. The dam's role in providing fire protection and supporting local aquatic ecosystems highlights the importance of small-scale water infrastructure in rural communities. As a privately owned and state-regulated structure, Hedstrom Dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between landowners and regulatory agencies to manage water resources effectively and sustainably.

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR- LONG BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.5

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

43

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.