Acheson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jass Dam Sinclair Dam
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Acheson Dam, located in Decatur County, Iowa, was completed in 1995 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 32 feet high and spans 436 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality.
Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, Acheson Dam poses a moderate risk due to its location on TR- Steel Creek. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and has a surface area of 5 acres, serving as a vital resource for water management in the region. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is equipped to handle emergency situations with updated emergency action plans, although the last revision date is unknown. Overall, Acheson Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.
Year Completed |
1995 |
Dam Length |
436 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR- STEEL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
0.17 |
Nid Storage |
62 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
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.
Acheson Dam
Corydon Lake