Goddard Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Goddard Dam, located in Villisca, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 2005 for grade stabilization purposes along a tributary to the West Nodaway River.


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Summary

The dam stands at 25 feet high, with a length of 450 feet, and has a storage capacity of 28 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is to stabilize the surrounding area and prevent erosion, with a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated.

The dam, situated in Montgomery County, Iowa, has a normal storage capacity of 17 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 129 cubic feet per second. It covers a surface area of 3 acres and serves a drainage area of 0.05 square miles. While the dam does not have outlet gates or a spillway type specified, it is inspected periodically for its structural integrity and maintenance. The surrounding community benefits from the dam's function in regulating water flow and reducing the risk of flooding in the area.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

Trib to West Nodaway River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.05

Nid Storage

28

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.