Buss Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Buss Dam, located in Harrison County, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 2011, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 400 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife habitat, grade stabilization, and recreation.

Situated on a tributary to Willow Creek, Buss Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for condition assessment. While it does not have outlet gates, the spillway width is 16 feet. The surrounding area covers 3 acres with a drainage area of 0.19 square miles, providing important environmental benefits and recreational opportunities for the community.

Maintained by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Buss Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With its strategic location and design, this dam contributes to the overall water management efforts in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure for climate resilience and flood control.

Year Completed

2011

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Trib to Willow Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.19

Nid Storage

58

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.