Dam Report

Pierce Dam dam

Iowa, USA Tr- South Otter Creek Hazard Low
Today high
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Tonight low
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Dam height
31ft
Hazard rating
Low
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Pierce Dam -- None dam
Pierce Dam None · Tr- South Otter Creek
About this dam

Pierce Dam

Pierce Dam, located in Lucas, Iowa, was completed in 1998 and serves multiple purposes such as fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. Managed by a private owner, the dam stands at a height of 31 feet with a length of 565 feet, creating a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. The dam is primarily made of earth with a stone core and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Situated on the TR- South Otter Creek, Pierce Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, but it is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state regulatory agency, demonstrating a commitment to safety and compliance. The dam's purpose, design, and location make it a valuable asset for water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in the region, providing essential services while minimizing risk to the surrounding community.

With its strategic location and functions, Pierce Dam plays a crucial role in the local water infrastructure, contributing to the overall resilience of the area. As a key component in the management of water resources and climate-related challenges, the dam exemplifies the importance of proactive planning and sustainable practices to ensure the safety and well-being of both the environment and the community it serves.

StateNone
River / streamTr- South Otter Creek
NID IDIA03404
Owner typePrivate
Primary purposeFire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond
Dam typeEarth
Year built1998
Dam height31 ft
Dam length565 ft
Max storage130 AF
Normal storage51 AF
Surface area8.2 ac
Drainage area0.5 sq mi
Hazard potentialLow
ConditionNot Rated

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.
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.
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.

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, environmental 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.
Detailed forecast

Plan around the weather

Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

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Deep dive

5-day forecast table

Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
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Long-term outlook

15-day temperature & precipitation

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.

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Track Pierce Dam in the Snoflo app

Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.

FAQ

About Pierce Dam

Where does the data for Pierce Dam come from?

Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.

How often is the report updated?

NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.

What does the Low hazard rating mean?

The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.

What's "% of normal"?

The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).

Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?

Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.

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Premium feature

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Manage alerts in the Snoflo app

Custom alerts are configured in the iOS app -- favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.

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