Northridge Heights Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Arnold Lake Dam Ames Basin #2
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Northridge Heights Dam, located in Ames, Iowa, was completed in 2004 by WHKS & Company and serves as a key structure for flood risk reduction along Tr- Squaw Creek.
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Summary
This private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and spans 940 feet, with a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 0.43 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
The dam's spillway is of the uncontrolled type, and it has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is currently under state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the Iowa DNR. The risk assessment for Northridge Heights Dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk, with measures in place to manage these risks effectively. While the dam has not been associated with any federal agencies or funding, its primary purpose of flood risk reduction underscores the importance of this structure in safeguarding the local community from potential water resource challenges.
Year Completed |
2004 |
Dam Length |
940 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
Tr- Squaw Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.43 |
Nid Storage |
55 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Skunk River Near Ames
|
92cfs |
Squaw Creek At Ames
|
53cfs |
South Skunk River Below Squaw Creek Near Ames
|
130cfs |
Des Moines River Near Stratford
|
1720cfs |
Fourmile Creek Near Ankeny
|
9cfs |
Indian Creek Near Mingo
|
79cfs |
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.
Northridge Heights Dam