Van Hall Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cheers Dam Brown Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Grand River, Iowa, the Van Hall Dam is a private-owned structure designed by NRCS and completed in 1995.
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Summary
It stands at a height of 8 feet and stretches 1760 feet long, holding a storage capacity of 79 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including recreation and flood control, with a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating.
Operated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Van Hall Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Situated on the TR-Twelve Mile Creek, the dam's earth design with a soil foundation contributes to its stability and functionality. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway width and discharge capacity remain at a minimum, posing minimal risk to downstream areas.
With a surface area of 15.1 acres and a drainage area of 0.28 square miles, the Van Hall Dam provides essential water resource management in Union County. Its strategic location and design make it a significant asset for the local community, showcasing the importance of responsible dam construction and maintenance in mitigating potential climate-related risks.
Year Completed |
1995 |
Dam Length |
1760 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
TR- TWELVE MILE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.28 |
Nid Storage |
79 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
8 |
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.
Van Hall Dam