Cowles Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Cowles Dam, located in Hiteman, Iowa, on the TR- Cedar Creek river, was completed in 1989 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at 25 feet tall and spans 260 feet in length, serving primarily for fire protection and as a small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 38 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 2 acres and drains a 0.21 square mile watershed. The dam is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Iowa DNR and undergoes state inspections, permitting, and enforcement.

Despite its low hazard potential, Cowles Dam presents a moderate risk level, rated at 3, and its condition remains unrated. While emergency action plans and risk management measures are not documented, the dam has not been modified since its completion. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it does not have outlet gates or locks. Cowles Dam's location in Monroe County, Iowa, and its ownership by a private entity make it a notable structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and study within the state's regulatory framework.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR- CEDAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.21

Nid Storage

38

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.