Berryman Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Berryman is a private dam located in Mt.


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Summary

Sterling, Iowa, along the TR-Fox River. Designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 30 feet high and spans 500 feet in length. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with additional benefits such as fish and wildlife pond creation, grade stabilization, and recreation opportunities. With a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres, Berryman plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

The dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Berryman's condition has not been rated. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 14 feet, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it serves as a vital infrastructure for water management and flood control in the region.

Located in Davis County, Iowa, Berryman contributes to the overall water resource management efforts in the area. With its strategic location and design, this dam not only helps reduce flood risks but also enhances the local ecosystem and recreational opportunities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Berryman play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainable management of water and protecting communities from potential hazards.

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-Fox River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

106

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

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.
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