Elmore Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Elmore Dam, located in Rome, Iowa, is a private earth dam completed in 2003 by the NRCS for the primary purpose of creating a fish and wildlife pond.


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Summary

The dam stands at 27 feet tall and spans 490 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary to Walnut Creek, the dam plays a critical role in grade stabilization and provides essential habitat for aquatic wildlife in the region.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Elmore Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. The spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 10 feet, and the dam serves a drainage area of 0.06 square miles. While the dam has not been inspected in recent years, its location in a rural area minimizes potential risks to surrounding communities.

Overall, Elmore Dam is a vital resource for water conservation and wildlife preservation in Jefferson County, Iowa. As a relatively new structure with a focus on environmental sustainability, the dam serves as a testament to the importance of balancing human needs with the protection of natural ecosystems in the face of climate change and increasing water scarcity.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

490

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

Trib to Walnut Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.06

Nid Storage

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.