Pilling Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Pilling Dam, located in Oakland, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the NRCS for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 2003, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and spans a length of 555 feet, with a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet. Situated on the TR- West Nishnabotna River, the dam's primary function is to provide low hazard potential water resource management for the surrounding area.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, Pilling Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam meets guidelines for emergency action plans, although details on its condition assessment and risk management measures are not currently available. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and low hazard potential, the dam serves as a crucial water resource for the community, offering valuable storage and management for fire protection and livestock needs in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pilling Dam presents an intriguing case study of private ownership and state regulation in water infrastructure development. With its strategic location on the West Nishnabotna River and its modern construction completed in 2003, the dam exemplifies the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship. As the dam continues to provide essential services for fire protection and stock watering, ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts ensure its continued functionality and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

555

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

TR- WEST NISHNABOTNA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.2

Drainage Area

0.37

Nid Storage

94

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

33
       
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.