Bowden Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Bowden Dam, located in Webster County, Iowa, serves multiple purposes including fire protection and creating a small fish pond.


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Summary

Constructed in 1997 by the NRCS, this private dam stands at a height of 37 feet and spans 162 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 44 acre-feet, the dam sits along the TR-Des Moines River, providing essential water resources for the local community.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Bowden Dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, indicating its reliance on natural flow patterns to manage excess water. With a moderate risk assessment rating, measures for risk management are in place to mitigate any potential issues that may arise.

Bowden Dam not only plays a crucial role in fire protection and supporting local wildlife through its stock pond, but it also contributes to the overall water management system in the area. With its strategic location along the Des Moines River and its importance for the surrounding community, Bowden Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in Iowa.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

162

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

TR- DES MOINES RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.4

Drainage Area

0.37

Nid Storage

44

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

37
       
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.