Semke Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Springer Dam Teeples Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Semke Dam, located in Greene, Iowa, is a privately owned structure completed in 1998 by the NRCS.
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Summary
With a primary purpose of providing fire protection and serving as a small fish pond, this earth dam stands at a height of 46 feet and spans a length of 138 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 45 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2.3 acres, serving the surrounding area for stock and fire protection needs.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Semke Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam poses a low hazard potential and currently holds a moderate risk rating. While the condition assessment is not rated, the dam meets guidelines for emergency action preparedness, although specific emergency contacts and inundation maps are yet to be updated. With its location on TR- Buttrick Creek, Semke Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region and provides valuable support for local ecosystems and agriculture.
Overall, Semke Dam is a vital water resource structure in Greene County, Iowa, contributing to fire protection, stock needs, and small fish pond functions. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk rating, the dam is a key feature in the region's water management infrastructure. As climate change impacts water resources, the proper maintenance and regulation of Semke Dam by state agencies are essential to ensure its continued effectiveness and safety for the surrounding community.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
138 |
Dam Height |
46 |
River Or Stream |
TR- BUTTRICK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.08 |
Nid Storage |
45 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
46 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Raccoon River Near Jefferson
|
530cfs |
Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard
|
121cfs |
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
|
92cfs |
Des Moines River Near Stratford
|
1720cfs |
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Squaw Creek At Ames
|
53cfs |
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.
Semke Dam