Iris Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Iris Lake Dam, located in Fayette County, Iowa, is a privately-owned earth dam completed in 2004 by designers Richard Jensen and James Warner.


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Summary

The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 66 feet and a length of 650 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 618 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 19 acres.

The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being classified as having low hazard potential, the dam carries a moderate risk level due to its location on Tr-Turkey River. The condition assessment in 2019 rated the dam as satisfactory, with a five-year inspection frequency in place to monitor any changes in its risk profile.

Overall, Iris Lake Dam provides essential services such as fire protection and water storage in the area while also offering recreational opportunities for fishing and wildlife habitat. Its design and construction adhere to regulatory standards, ensuring the safety and functionality of the dam for both the community and the environment.

Year Completed

2004

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

66

River Or Stream

Tr-Turkey River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

618

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

66
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.