Knutsen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jenkins Dam Beener Dam
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Knutsen Dam, located in Indianola, Iowa, was completed in 1990 by the NRCS and is privately owned.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 29 feet tall and stretches 340 feet in length, with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 44 acre-feet and a surface area of 2.5 acres, Knutsen Dam sits on TR-Broadhorn Creek and is regulated by the Iowa DNR.
Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, Knutsen Dam poses a moderate risk level with a rating of 3. While the condition of the dam is not currently rated, it is subject to state inspection, permitting, and enforcement to ensure safety measures are in place. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with no outlet gates and no associated structures.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Knutsen Dam offers a glimpse into the importance of small-scale dam infrastructure in managing water resources for various purposes. Its location on TR-Broadhorn Creek highlights the role of dams in providing essential services such as fire protection and stock pond management, while also contributing to the overall water management system in the region. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, dams like Knutsen play a critical role in ensuring sustainable water use for communities and ecosystems in Iowa.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Length |
340 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR- BROADHORN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.15 |
Nid Storage |
44 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Middle River Near Indianola
|
48cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
South River Near Ackworth
|
18cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
Raccoon River At 63rd Street At Des Moines
|
587cfs |
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.
Knutsen Dam