Burkhart Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Straight Dam Gochenour Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Burkhart Dam, located in Harrison County, Iowa, was completed in 2010 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
This earth dam, standing at a height of 42 feet and a length of 560 feet, plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet and a surface area of 2 acres, the dam serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife pond creation, grade stabilization, and recreation.
Operated by a private entity and designed by the USDA NRCS, Burkhart Dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment currently not rated, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for the local community in Missouri Valley. The dam also contributes to the conservation of water resources by managing the drainage area of 0.3 square miles and controlling a maximum discharge of 9 cubic feet per second.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Burkhart Dam stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction strategies and multi-purpose infrastructure development. With its strategic location and design elements, this dam not only safeguards the area from potential flooding but also creates opportunities for wildlife habitat enhancement and recreational activities. As a key component in the water management system of the region, Burkhart Dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable infrastructure for both environmental conservation and community resilience in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
2010 |
Dam Length |
560 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to Hoffman Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.3 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
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 |
Missouri River At Decatur
|
15500cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
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.
Burkhart Dam