Boswell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Boswell Dam, located in Lucas County, Iowa, was completed in the year 2000 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam is privately owned and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Situated on the TR-Chariton River, the earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet with a length of 528 feet, providing a storage capacity of 159 acre-feet and a surface area of 10.5 acres.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, Boswell Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, with no official condition assessment rating available. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is designed to withstand various hydraulic pressures. The risk management measures, emergency action plan, and inundation maps for the dam are currently not publicly available. With its strategic location and purposeful design, Boswell Dam serves as a vital water resource structure in the region, contributing to both local water management and environmental conservation efforts.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Boswell Dam offers a unique opportunity to study the intersection of water infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and risk management. As a key component of the local water system, the dam's impact on the surrounding ecosystem and its ability to mitigate flooding risks are important areas for further exploration. With its relatively recent construction and ongoing state oversight, Boswell Dam represents a modern approach to water resource management in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in the face of changing climate patterns and water demands.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

528

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TR- CHARITON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.5

Drainage Area

0.53

Nid Storage

159

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.