Harmon Farms Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Harmon Farms Dam, located in Braddyville, Iowa, was completed in 1996 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and providing a water source for stock or small fish ponds.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and has a length of 278 feet, with a storage capacity of 21 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Long Branch, the dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

Despite its low hazard potential, Harmon Farms Dam has a moderate risk rating of 3, indicating a need for ongoing risk management measures. The dam currently has an uncontrolled spillway and is not rated for its condition assessment. While there are no associated structures or outlet gates, the dam is monitored by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and falls under private ownership. With a drainage area of 0.15 square miles, the dam's surface area is 1 acre, making it a vital resource for the surrounding area.

In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status is currently unknown, and it has not been assessed for compliance with guidelines. With its critical role in providing water resources and supporting local agriculture, Harmon Farms Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable dam management in the face of climate change and increasing water scarcity challenges.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

278

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR- LONG BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Drainage Area

0.15

Nid Storage

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
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.