Doherty Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lundell Dam Spring Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Doherty Dam, located in Cherokee, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1996 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 37 feet and a length of 270 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 34 acre-feet and a surface area of 1.7 acres. It is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The dam's primary purpose is to provide essential water resources for both agricultural and wildfire protection needs in the area. Situated along the Little Sioux River, Doherty Dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and ensuring water availability for local stakeholders. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to moderate risk, highlighting the importance of proper risk management measures and emergency preparedness. Overall, Doherty Dam is a vital infrastructure contributing to water resource management and climate resilience in the region, showcasing the collaboration between private ownership and state regulatory agencies in safeguarding water resources.
Year Completed |
1996 |
Dam Length |
270 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
TR- LITTLE SIOUX RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.15 |
Nid Storage |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Sioux River At Linn Grove
|
257cfs |
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
Floyd River At Alton
|
36cfs |
Ocheyedan River Near Spencer
|
59cfs |
North Raccoon River Near Sac City
|
312cfs |
Floyd River At James
|
187cfs |
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.
Doherty Dam