Christen Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Christen Dam, located in Fayette County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1996 for fire protection and as a small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a length of 465 feet, with a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Volga River, the dam serves multiple purposes while also contributing to the local ecosystem.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Christen Dam is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area. Although not currently rated for its condition, the dam remains a key infrastructure for the surrounding community and wildlife.

Climate and water resource enthusiasts would find Christen Dam an interesting case study in sustainable water management and the intersection of human needs with environmental conservation. Its design by the NRCS and state regulation showcase a collaborative effort to balance the benefits of water storage and fire protection with the potential risks associated with dam infrastructure. As the dam continues to serve its purposes, ongoing monitoring and maintenance will be essential to ensure its long-term resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

465

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR- VOLGA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.2

Drainage Area

0.38

Nid Storage

52

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.