Berns Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Berns Dam, located in Allamakee, Iowa, was completed in 2003 by the NRCS with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, or a small fish pond.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 475 feet, with a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Tr- Williams Creek, near the Mississippi River, and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Berns Dam is considered to have moderate risk according to a rating of 3. The dam's condition is currently not rated, and there is no emergency action plan in place. The spillway type for the dam is uncontrolled, with a width of 3 feet. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it undergoes regular inspections, although the last inspection date is not specified in the data.

Overall, Berns Dam serves as an important water resource for the local area, providing various benefits such as fire protection and stock water supply. With its moderate risk level and lack of a current condition assessment, continued monitoring and maintenance of the dam are essential to ensure its safety and longevity for the community it serves.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

475

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

Tr- Williams Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.3

Drainage Area

0.48

Nid Storage

67

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.