Gochenour Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Smith (Steve) Dam Mchugh Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Gochenour Dam, located in Monona, Iowa, was completed in 2011 and is owned and operated by a private entity.
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Summary
The dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction purposes and has a storage capacity of 35 acre-feet. With a height of 34 feet and a length of 440 feet, the dam is an earth-fill structure with stone core types and soil foundations. It is situated on a tributary to Willow Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the Rock Island District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Gochenour Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. In addition to its flood risk reduction function, the dam also serves secondary purposes such as grade stabilization, recreational activities, and supporting fish and wildlife habitats. The dam's design was overseen by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, showcasing a commitment to sustainable water resource management and environmental conservation.
While Gochenour Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, its presence provides a sense of security for the community of Missouri Valley. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring and maintaining the integrity of structures like Gochenour Dam is essential for ensuring the safety and resilience of our water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
2011 |
Dam Length |
440 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to Willow Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.11 |
Nid Storage |
35 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Soldier River At Pisgah
|
112cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Missouri River At Decatur
|
15500cfs |
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.
Gochenour Dam