Combs Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Combs Dam, located in Davis County, Iowa, is a private earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1998.


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Summary

The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and providing a pond for stock or small fish. With a height of 22 feet and a length of 440 feet, Combs Dam has a storage capacity of 141 acre-feet and covers an area of 8.5 acres.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, Combs Dam is regulated and inspected by the state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. While the spillway is uncontrolled, the dam is designed with stone core types and soil foundation, making it resilient against potential risks.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Combs Dam an interesting structure to study, given its unique design and purpose. Situated along the TR-N. FK. North Fabius River, this dam plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region. Its construction and management demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability and the protection of water resources for the community.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

440

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TR- N. FK. NORTH FABIUS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.5

Drainage Area

0.65

Nid Storage

141

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds