Steding Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Walters Dam Welch Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Steding Dam, located in Hardin County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2003 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans 314 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet. Situated on the TR- South Fork Iowa River, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in a not rated condition assessment status. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway width is 3 feet, ensuring moderate risk management measures are in place.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Steding Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. The dam is located in the city of Union and falls under the jurisdiction of Congressman Steve King. With a drainage area of 0.55 square miles and a surface area of 3 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management within the region. Additionally, the dam has not undergone any modifications since its completion.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Steding Dam a fascinating structure due to its unique design by the NRCS and its contribution to the local ecosystem. With its primary purpose of providing essential services like fire protection and stock pond management, the dam serves as a valuable asset to the community. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's moderate risk assessment rating underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
2003 |
Dam Length |
314 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR- SOUTH FORK IOWA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.55 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Steding Dam