Christensen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Miller Dam Thomson Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Christensen Dam, located in Dow City, Iowa, was completed in 1999 and stands at a height of 30 feet with a length of 306 feet.
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Summary
Managed by a private owner, the dam's primary purpose is to control Tr- Coon Creek's flow and provide a storage capacity of 41 acre-feet. The dam is classified as an Earth-type structure with a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating.
The dam's design was overseen by the USDA NRCS, and it is regulated by the Iowa DNR, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway width of the dam is 1 foot, and it covers a surface area of 2 acres within a drainage area of 0.08 square miles. The dam's condition is currently not rated, but it has not been modified since its completion and has not undergone a recent inspection.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Christensen Dam offers an intriguing case study in dam management and regulation. Its location in Crawford County, Iowa, showcases the importance of private ownership in water infrastructure and the collaboration between federal agencies like the USDA NRCS and state regulators like the Iowa DNR. With its moderate risk assessment and low hazard potential, the dam presents an opportunity for further study on risk management measures and emergency preparedness in the face of potential climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1999 |
Dam Length |
306 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
Tr- Coon Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.08 |
Nid Storage |
41 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
Soldier River At Pisgah
|
112cfs |
North Raccoon River Near Sac City
|
312cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
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.
Christensen Dam