Gardner Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lineville Reservoir Dam Goellner Dam
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Gardner Dam, located in Wayne County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2001 by the NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 33 feet and spanning 461 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7.8 acres. The dam is situated on TR- Caleb Creek, under the jurisdiction of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
Despite being a relatively young structure, Gardner Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. However, it is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced by the Iowa DNR, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 1 foot, and it does not have locks or outlet gates. With its strategic location and purposeful design, Gardner Dam serves as an essential water resource for the surrounding area, contributing to fire protection and wildlife conservation efforts.
In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gardner Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private ownership and state regulatory agencies in managing and maintaining vital infrastructure. Its completion in 2001 marked a milestone in enhancing water storage capacity and supporting ecological diversity in the region. As climate change poses increasing challenges to water management, the role of dams like Gardner Dam becomes ever more crucial in ensuring sustainable use and conservation of precious water resources.
Year Completed |
2001 |
Dam Length |
461 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TR- CALEB CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.16 |
Nid Storage |
104 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Gardner Dam