Sevcik Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Sevcik Dam, located in Tama County, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by NRCS and completed in 1995.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 31 feet and stretching 350 feet in length, serves multiple purposes including fire protection and as a small fish pond. It has a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 37 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 4.7 acres and draining an area of 0.18 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Sevcik Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is considered to be in good condition, although it is yet to be formally assessed. The dam is located on TR- Iowa River, under the jurisdiction of the Detroit District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and does not have any associated locks or spillways.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Sevcik Dam to be an interesting case study due to its unique design, purpose, and location. The dam's presence on the Iowa River contributes to local water management efforts, providing essential services such as fire protection and stock pond facilities. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam serves as a valuable asset to the community while also highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its long-term sustainability in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1995

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR- IOWA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.7

Drainage Area

0.18

Nid Storage

62

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.