Sterner Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Sterner Dam, located in Ringgold County, Iowa, is a private-owned structure designed by NRCS and completed in 1997.
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Summary
With a height of 31 feet and a length of 553 feet, this earth dam serves multiple purposes such as fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. The dam has a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4.9 acres, with a drainage area of 0.11 square miles.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Sterner Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam poses a low hazard potential and has a moderate risk assessment score of 3. While the dam does not have a controlled spillway, it meets guidelines for emergency action plans and risk management measures. Additionally, the dam is situated on TR- WOLF CREEK and falls under the jurisdiction of the Rock Island District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Sterner Dam provides essential services for the local community, including fire protection and recreational opportunities. Its construction and maintenance reflect a commitment to water resource management and climate resilience, while also highlighting the importance of private ownership in safeguarding critical infrastructure. With its strategic location and design features, Sterner Dam stands as a testament to effective collaboration between public and private entities in ensuring the sustainable use of water resources.
Year Completed |
1997 |
Dam Length |
553 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR- WOLF CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.11 |
Nid Storage |
57 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Sterner Dam