Readhead Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jennett Dam Mc Daniel Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Readhead Dam, located in Maxwell, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1997 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 34 feet and has a length of 215 feet, providing a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet with a normal storage of 47 acre-feet. Situated on TR- East Indian Creek, the dam has a low hazard potential and is considered to have a moderate risk level.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Readhead Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has a surface area of 4.4 acres with a drainage area of 0.12 square miles. Despite being in a moderate risk category, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, indicating a need for further evaluation to determine its structural integrity.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and safety of dams will find Readhead Dam to be an intriguing case study. With its unique purpose and design features, as well as its state-regulated status and risk assessment, this dam serves as a focal point for discussions on dam safety, emergency preparedness, and risk management measures in the context of water resource management and climate change adaptation.
Year Completed |
1997 |
Dam Length |
215 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TR- EAST INDIAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.12 |
Nid Storage |
67 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Skunk River Below Squaw Creek Near Ames
|
130cfs |
Indian Creek Near Mingo
|
79cfs |
Squaw Creek At Ames
|
53cfs |
South Skunk River Near Ames
|
92cfs |
Fourmile Creek Near Ankeny
|
9cfs |
South Skunk River At Colfax
|
211cfs |
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.
Readhead Dam