Kasparbauer Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Kasparbauer is a private earth dam located in Missouri Valley, Iowa, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2012.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 49 feet and spans a length of 560 feet, with a storage capacity of 17 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, but it also serves other purposes such as fish and wildlife pond, grade stabilization, and recreation. The dam is classified as low hazard potential and its condition assessment is currently not rated.

Situated on a tributary to Elk Creek, Kasparbauer plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. It covers a surface area of 1 acre and drains a 0.1 square mile area. Despite being privately owned, the dam does not fall under state jurisdiction for regulation, permitting, inspection, or enforcement. It is not associated with any federal agencies for funding, construction, regulation, or operations, highlighting its independent status in water resource management.

Kasparbauer may be relatively small in size, but its impact on flood risk reduction and water management in the area is significant. With its strategic location and design features, this dam contributes to the overall resilience of the region against potential flooding events, while also providing additional benefits such as wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Kasparbauer serves as a noteworthy example of community-led efforts in sustainable water infrastructure development.

Year Completed

2012

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

49

River Or Stream

Trib to Elk Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

17

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

49
       
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.