Scott (Darwin) Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ramsbottom Dam Orient Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Scott (Darwin) Dam, located in Adair County, Iowa, near the town of Orient, was completed in 2013 and stands at a height of 27 feet with a length of 460 feet.
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Summary
The dam, primarily constructed for grade stabilization, also serves the purpose of water supply. Designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam with a stone core sits on a soil foundation and has a maximum storage capacity of 27 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 13 acre-feet.
The dam, situated on a tributary to Ninemile Run, has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for its condition assessment. Despite lacking certain regulatory and inspection measures, the structure is deemed safe. With a maximum discharge rate of 102 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped with a spillway width of 12 feet. Although the dam does not have outlet gates, it plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area and maintaining stability in the surrounding environment.
Overall, Scott (Darwin) Dam exemplifies the importance of infrastructure for water resource management and environmental conservation. As a private-owned structure designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, it showcases a blend of innovation and functionality in addressing grade stabilization and water supply needs in the region. With its completion in 2013, the dam continues to serve its purpose effectively while contributing to the sustainable management of water resources in Adair County, Iowa.
Year Completed |
2013 |
Dam Length |
460 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to Ninemile Run |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
27 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
|
92cfs |
East Nishnabotna River Near Atlantic
|
143cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard
|
121cfs |
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.
Scott (Darwin) Dam