Reel Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Reel Dam, located in Mt.


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Summary

Sterling, Iowa, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Built in 1995 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a length of 257 feet, with a primary purpose of fire protection and serving as a stock or small fish pond. The dam has a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4 acres, serving the TR-Fox River in Van Buren County.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Reel Dam has not been rated for its condition and lacks Emergency Action Plan (EAP) preparedness. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is inspected by the state regularly for compliance. The structure poses a moderate risk level of 3 out of 5, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam and surrounding areas. Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Reel Dam an intriguing site for its unique design and purpose within the Iowa landscape.

Year Completed

1995

Dam Length

257

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR- FOX RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

52

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.