Horras Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Horras Dam, located in Jefferson County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1995 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).


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Summary

Its primary purpose is for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond, with a height of 24 feet and a length of 510 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6.9 acres, serving as a vital resource for the surrounding area.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Horras Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Situated on the TR- Middle Walnut Creek, the dam provides essential water storage for various purposes while also contributing to the local ecosystem.

Despite its low hazard potential, Horras Dam is a key asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area. With its strategic location and function, the dam serves as a valuable tool for fire protection, livestock watering, and recreational fishing activities. As a privately owned structure, the dam highlights the importance of private-public partnerships in maintaining and managing critical water resources for sustainable development and environmental conservation efforts.

Year Completed

1995

Dam Length

510

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR- MIDDLE WALNUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.9

Drainage Area

0.16

Nid Storage

86

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.