Forsythe Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Forsythe Dam, located in Bloomfield, Iowa, along the TR-FOX RIVER, was completed in 1998 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at 27 feet high and stretches 440 feet in length, serving primarily for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes. With a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and a surface area of 6.9 acres, the dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and falls under private ownership.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Forsythe Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. With no associated structures and a controlled spillway type, the dam's emergency action plan status, inspection frequency, and risk management measures remain undisclosed. The Kansas City District oversees the dam's operations, while the primary source agency responsible for its regulation and enforcement is the Iowa DNR, ensuring its compliance with state permitting and inspection requirements.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Forsythe Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure designed for multiple purposes in a rural setting. Its location in Davis County, Iowa, and its relatively small drainage area of 0.2 square miles highlight the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring for a sustainable water management strategy. As interest in dam safety and environmental conservation grows, the future of Forsythe Dam and its impact on the local ecosystem will be closely monitored by stakeholders and regulatory agencies alike.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

440

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR- FOX RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.9

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

100

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.