Crane Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Crane Dam, located in Keosauqua, Iowa, is a private dam primarily designed for grade stabilization along the Tr- South Chequest Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 2000 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans 220 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 21 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam serves a crucial purpose in managing water flow and preventing erosion in the region.

With a moderate risk assessment rating, Crane Dam is not currently regulated or inspected by state agencies. Its spillway, uncontrolled in design, has a width of 1 foot, serving as the primary outlet for excess water. The dam's condition is marked as "Not Rated", indicating a need for further assessment to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness. Although no emergency action plan has been prepared or updated for the dam, its presence plays a vital role in the overall water resource management of the area.

As a key structure in the region, Crane Dam provides valuable grade stabilization benefits while posing a moderate risk level that warrants ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Its construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service signifies a commitment to sustainable water management practices. Moving forward, attention to the dam's condition assessment and emergency preparedness will be crucial to ensuring its continued functionality and safety in the face of varying climate conditions.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

220

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

Tr- South Chequest Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Drainage Area

0.11

Nid Storage

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.