Herman Farms Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Messerschmitt Dam Adam Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Herman Farms Dam, located in Wapello, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1998 for the primary purposes of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 26 feet and stretching 480 feet in length, serves as a crucial water resource structure in the area, with a storage capacity of 26 acre-feet and a surface area of 3 acres. Situated on TR-Competine Creek, the dam plays a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in the region.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk rating, Herman Farms Dam is a key component of the local ecosystem and water infrastructure. Despite not being state regulated, inspected, or enforced, the dam remains a reliable resource for water supply and management in the area. While its condition assessment is not rated, the dam continues to serve its intended purposes effectively, contributing to the overall water resource management strategies in the region.
Managed by a private owner, Herman Farms Dam exemplifies the importance of private-public partnerships in water resource management. With its strategic location and design, the dam not only ensures fire protection and water supply for livestock but also contributes to the conservation of small fish populations in the area. As climate change impacts water resources, structures like Herman Farms Dam play a crucial role in sustainable water management practices and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR- COMPETINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.05 |
Nid Storage |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Skunk River Near Sigourney
|
97cfs |
Des Moines River At Ottumwa
|
1090cfs |
South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa
|
485cfs |
Fox River At Bloomfield
|
7cfs |
Des Moines River At Keosauqua
|
1800cfs |
Cedar Creek Near Oakland Mills
|
10cfs |
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.
Herman Farms Dam