Von Maur Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Von Maur Dam, located in Maquoketa, Iowa, is a private-owned structure designed by Shive Hattery and completed in 2012.


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Summary

It serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond. With a dam height of 24 feet and a length of 250 feet, it has a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5.7 acres. The dam is primarily made of earth with a stone core and soil foundation, and it is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Situated on the TR-Maquoketa River, the Von Maur Dam has a low hazard potential and is not currently rated for condition assessment. It falls under state jurisdiction and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam is equipped with outlet gates and has a drainage area of 0.8 square miles. Although it does not have a spillway, it has a maximum storage capacity of 104 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 54 acre-feet. The Von Maur Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in Jackson County, Iowa.

In the event of an emergency, the Von Maur Dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk assessment are not currently available. With its strategic location and purposeful design, the dam provides essential services to the community while maintaining a low risk profile. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find the Von Maur Dam an intriguing structure that contributes to the local ecosystem and protection of nearby properties.

Year Completed

2012

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-Maquoketa River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.7

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

104

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.