Schlies Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Schlies Dam, located in Mapleton, Iowa, is a private earth dam completed in 1997 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

With a height of 36 feet and a length of 539 feet, the dam serves a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. It has a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3.1 acres, with a drainage area of 0.39 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, Schlies Dam is regulated and inspected by the state, ensuring its safety and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment level, indicating a manageable level of risk. The spillway type is uncontrolled, and the dam is situated on TR-Heisler Creek in Monona County, Iowa, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Schlies Dam to be an intriguing structure, contributing to fire protection and water storage in the region. With its unique design and purpose, the dam plays a vital role in maintaining water resources and supporting the ecosystem of TR-Heisler Creek. Its construction and management demonstrate a commitment to sustainable water management practices, making it a noteworthy site for those interested in environmental conservation and water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

539

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

TR-HEISLER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.1

Drainage Area

0.39

Nid Storage

74

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.