Mc Carroll Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Mc Carroll Dam, located in Fairfield, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by NRCS for fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 2002, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet, with a length of 5668 feet and a storage capacity of 162 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of providing fire protection and supporting aquatic life in the area, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Mc Carroll Dam is regulated and inspected by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a drainage area of 0.38 square miles and a surface area of 8.2 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and lack of outlet gates, the dam is considered to be in satisfactory condition and poses no immediate threat to surrounding areas.
Situated on Buckeye Creek, Mc Carroll Dam contributes to the conservation and management of water resources in Wapello County. While it may not have a high-profile status, its importance in providing fire protection and supporting local wildlife cannot be understated. With ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight, the dam remains a key infrastructure for water management in the region.
Year Completed |
2002 |
Dam Length |
5668 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR- BUCKEYE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.38 |
Nid Storage |
162 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Des Moines River At Ottumwa
|
1090cfs |
North Skunk River Near Sigourney
|
97cfs |
Fox River At Bloomfield
|
7cfs |
Des Moines River At Keosauqua
|
1800cfs |
South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa
|
485cfs |
Cedar Creek Near Oakland Mills
|
10cfs |
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.
Mc Carroll Dam