Short Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Short Dam, located in Lucas, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1992 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

With a height of 35 feet and a length of 240 feet, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection and creating a small fish pond. Situated on TR- WHITEBREAST CREEK, the dam has a storage capacity of 21 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2 acres.

Managed and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Short Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score. Despite not having a condition assessment rating, the dam is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies on a regular basis. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it has no outlet gates or locks. While the dam's drainage area is relatively small at 0.07 square miles, its primary purpose of providing fire protection and stock watering highlights its importance for local water resource management.

Overall, Short Dam represents a vital infrastructure for water resource management in Clarke County, Iowa. With its construction funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water levels for fire protection and stock purposes. Although the dam's risk assessment is moderate, its low hazard potential and regulatory oversight ensure its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community.

Year Completed

1992

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

TR- WHITEBREAST CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.