Clyde Frizell Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Clyde Frizell is a privately owned earth dam located in Adair, Iowa, along a tributary to Battle Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 2009 by USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of grade stabilization and has a height of 26 feet and a length of 555 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 55 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 114 acre-feet, Clyde Frizell covers a surface area of 9 acres and drains a 0.35 square mile watershed.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Clyde Frizell is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. Despite its low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," this dam has not been recently inspected for condition assessment, emergency action plans, or risk management measures. With a spillway width of 16 feet and no outlet gates, Clyde Frizell is designed to maintain water flow and prevent erosion along the watercourse.

Located in Talmage, Iowa, Clyde Frizell plays a vital role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this earth dam serves as a key infrastructure for grade stabilization and watershed management, showcasing the collaborative efforts between private owners, federal agencies, and state regulators in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water infrastructure in Iowa.

Year Completed

2009

Dam Length

555

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

Trib to Battle Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

0.35

Nid Storage

114

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.