Van Hall Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Van Hall Dam, located in Marion, Iowa, was completed in 1996 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 40 feet and a length of 413 feet, holds a storage capacity of 69 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 52 acre-feet. It is primarily owned and regulated by private entities, with oversight from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The dam, designed by NRCS, is classified as an earth dam with a low hazard potential. The risk assessment for the dam is rated as moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and management measures. The spillway is uncontrolled, and the dam is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies. The location of Van Hall Dam at the Red Rock Reservoir in Iowa makes it a crucial structure for water resource management in the area.

Despite its low hazard potential, the moderate risk assessment for Van Hall Dam highlights the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure. As a key element for fire protection and water management in the region, the dam plays a vital role in preserving water resources and mitigating potential climate-related risks in the area. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Van Hall Dam to be a significant case study in sustainable infrastructure management and resilience planning.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

413

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

TR- RED ROCK RESERVOIR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.3

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

69

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
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.