Mullet Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Mullet Dam, located in Mt.


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Summary

Sterling, Iowa, along the TR-Fox River, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS. This Earth-type dam stands at 22 feet high and stretches 455 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet. The dam serves a primary purpose of regulating water flow and has a low hazard potential, classified as moderate risk.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Mullet Dam is state regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a spillway width of 12 feet and uncontrolled outlets, the dam is designed to manage water levels and prevent flooding in the surrounding area. Despite being not rated for condition assessment, the dam is maintained within guidelines to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the local community.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mullet Dam presents an intriguing case study of private ownership and state oversight in dam management. Its location in Davis County, Iowa, highlights the importance of maintaining and regulating water infrastructure to protect both the environment and local communities. As a key structure along the TR-Fox River, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and flood control, showcasing the intersection of human engineering and natural resource conservation.

Dam Length

455

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TR-Fox River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.36

Nid Storage

86

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.