Baird Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Baird Dam, located in Eldon, Iowa, was completed in 2003 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond.


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Summary

Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is inspected and enforced by the state. With a height of 24 feet and a length of 613 feet, Baird Dam has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3.6 acres.

Situated on the TR-Village Creek, Baird Dam has a low hazard potential and is classified as not rated in terms of condition assessment. Even though the dam does not have a controlled spillway, it is designed to safely manage water flow. The risk assessment for Baird Dam is moderate, with measures in place to manage potential risks. While the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, it meets state guidelines for safety and risk management.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Baird Dam is an interesting structure to study given its design as an earth dam with soil foundation. With its moderate risk assessment and low hazard potential, the dam provides valuable insights into water management and safety protocols. Its location in Wapello County, Iowa, makes Baird Dam a key component in the local water infrastructure, serving both practical and environmental purposes for the community.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

613

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR- VILLAGE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.6

Drainage Area

0.13

Nid Storage

53

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.