Alfred Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Alfred Dam, located in Rathbun Reservoir, Iowa, is a privately-owned earth dam that was completed in 2005 by the NRCS.


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Summary

It stands at 34 feet high and spans 404 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 101 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR- South Fork Chariton River and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3.

With a surface area of 7.4 acres and a drainage area of 0.19 square miles, Alfred Dam serves as a crucial water resource in Wayne County, Iowa. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment and lacks an emergency action plan, but is inspected, permitted, and regulated by the state. In the event of an emergency, the dam's uncontrolled spillway with a width of 1 foot would help manage water flow.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Alfred Dam's role in flood control and water storage in the area, as well as its impact on the surrounding ecosystem. As a privately-owned structure with state regulatory oversight, the dam represents a collaborative effort to manage water resources effectively while minimizing risks to the community. Its construction by the NRCS and moderate risk assessment highlight the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams to ensure their safety and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

404

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR- SOUTH FORK CHARITON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.4

Drainage Area

0.19

Nid Storage

101

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
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.