Straight Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Straight Dam, located in Missouri Valley, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 2011, the dam stands at a height of 39 feet and spans a length of 520 feet. With a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife pond creation, grade stabilization, and recreation on its 2-acre surface area.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Straight Dam is regulated and permitted by the state, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place. Despite its low hazard potential and current condition assessment of "Not Rated", the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area and aiding in water resource management. While lacking an emergency action plan and updated risk assessment, Straight Dam remains a vital structure for the local community and the tributary to Willow Creek.
Straight Dam's construction was funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, showcasing a collaboration between federal and state agencies to address flood risk and water resource needs in the region. As a part of the Rock Island District, the dam provides flood protection, habitat enhancement, and recreational opportunities, demonstrating the importance of sustainable water management practices in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
2011 |
Dam Length |
520 |
Dam Height |
39 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to Willow Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.37 |
Nid Storage |
73 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
39 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
Soldier River At Pisgah
|
112cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
Missouri River At Decatur
|
15500cfs |
Big Papillion Cr
|
38cfs |
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.
Straight Dam