Harper Century Farm Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Winner Dam Burkhart Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Harper Century Farm Dam, located in Harrison County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2011.
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Summary
The dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, grade stabilization, and creating a fish and wildlife pond for recreation. With a height of 42 feet and a length of 500 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4 acres.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, the dam is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not yet assessed for condition, Harper Century Farm Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and protecting the local environment. The dam's location in Missouri Valley, near the Willow Creek tributary, highlights its importance in mitigating the risk of flooding in the area.
As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, the Harper Century Farm Dam presents an intriguing case study in sustainable water management practices. By incorporating elements of flood risk reduction, habitat creation, and recreational opportunities, the dam showcases the potential for multi-functional infrastructure to address various environmental challenges. With ongoing regulatory oversight and a commitment to inspection and maintenance, the dam exemplifies a proactive approach towards ensuring the resilience of water resources in Iowa.
Year Completed |
2011 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to Willow Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
42 |
Drainage Area |
0.35 |
Nid Storage |
86 |
Structural Height |
42 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
42 |
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 |
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.
Harper Century Farm Dam