Blanchard Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Geode Lake Dam Williams Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Blanchard Dam, located in Lee County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2006 for grade stabilization purposes along a tributary to the Skunk River.
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Summary
With a height of 37 feet and a length of 660 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles. Despite its relatively low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is not yet rated, Blanchard Dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Managed by the USDA NRCS, Blanchard Dam serves as a vital structure for flood control and water resource management in the area. The dam's primary purpose of grade stabilization helps to protect the surrounding land from erosion and maintain the integrity of the waterway. As part of its operation, the dam has spillway widths of 10 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 110 cubic feet per second, providing essential flood protection for the community of Augusta and the surrounding areas in Lee County.
Although Blanchard Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, it is equipped with emergency action plans and low-risk management measures to ensure the safety of nearby residents in case of a sudden failure or flooding event. With its strategic location and design, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Skunk River watershed and enhancing water quality in the region. As a key infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience, Blanchard Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in safeguarding our natural environment.
Year Completed |
2006 |
Dam Length |
660 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to Skunk river |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Skunk River At Augusta
|
188cfs |
Cedar Creek Near Oakland Mills
|
10cfs |
Big Creek Near Mt. Pleasant
|
0cfs |
Des Moines River At St. Francisville
|
1620cfs |
Fox River At Wayland
|
8cfs |
Des Moines River At Keosauqua
|
1800cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Grays Landing
|
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Geode State Park
|
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Geode State Park Campground
|
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Stephenson Park
|
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Upper Augusta Skunk River Access
|
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Welter Recreation Park
|
Blanchard Dam