Mather Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Christensen Dam Bitting / Carlson Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mather Dam, located in Blanchard, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of grade stabilization.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 2012, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and spans a length of 614 feet, with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.28 square miles. The dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock and small fish pond management, in addition to grade stabilization along a tributary to Tarkio Creek.
With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Mather Dam is regulated and inspected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Despite lacking an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and updated emergency contacts, the dam meets state permitting and inspection requirements. The dam does not have a spillway and is equipped with outlet gates. Surrounding the dam is a surface area of 5 acres, providing vital water resource management and flood control benefits to the local community.
Mather Dam, a vital infrastructure for water resource management in Page County, Iowa, is a testament to the collaborative efforts between private ownership and government agencies in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water resources. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, dams like Mather play a crucial role in protecting communities from floods, enhancing water storage capacity, and supporting aquatic ecosystems. The dam's completion in 2012 signifies a modern approach to dam construction, incorporating environmental considerations and multiple benefits for the local environment and economy.
Year Completed |
2012 |
Dam Length |
614 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to Tarkio Cr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
0.28 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Mather Dam