Sulentic Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Sulentic Dam, located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is a private-owned structure designed by NRCS and completed in 2002 for flood risk reduction along the tributary to Twin Ponies.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 38 feet and a length of 570 feet, this earth dam serves as a crucial infrastructure to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet and a spillway width of 12 feet, Sulentic Dam plays a significant role in managing water flow and maintaining the stability of the region.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Sulentic Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. It does not fall under state regulation or inspection, indicating the responsibility lies with the private owner for its operation and maintenance. The dam primarily serves for flood risk reduction and grade stabilization purposes, highlighting its importance in safeguarding the community against potential natural disasters. As a key structure in the area, Sulentic Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts within the region.

As an essential piece of infrastructure in Pottawattamie County, Sulentic Dam showcases the collaborative efforts between private ownership and design by NRCS to mitigate flood risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding residents. With its strategic location and design features, such as an uncontrolled spillway and stone core, the dam serves as a critical barrier against potential flooding events. While its condition assessment remains unrated, Sulentic Dam's role in flood risk reduction and grade stabilization underscores its significance in the overall water resource and climate management efforts in the region.

Year Completed

2002

Dam Length

570

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

Trib to Twin Ponies

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.16

Nid Storage

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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.