Nagel Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Heishman Dam Vogel Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Nagel Dam, located in Poweshiek County, Iowa, is a private-owned earth dam designed by ProAg Engineering for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 2015, the dam stands at a height of 22 feet, with a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet and a surface area of 11 acres. Situated on a tributary to Big Bear Creek, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities and water recreation in the area.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Nagel Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, but it meets guidelines for emergency action plans. Despite not being under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam is well-maintained and monitored to prevent any potential risks to the surrounding community.
Nagel Dam plays a vital role in providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to Brooklyn, Iowa. With its serene location and ample storage capacity, the dam offers a picturesque setting for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. As a privately-owned structure with state oversight, Nagel Dam stands as a testament to responsible water resource management and environmental stewardship in the region.
Year Completed |
2015 |
Dam Length |
12 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to Big Bear Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Drainage Area |
0.31 |
Nid Storage |
73 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Richland Creek Near Haven
|
12cfs |
Walnut Creek Near Hartwick
|
13cfs |
Iowa River Near Belle Plaine
|
966cfs |
Timber Creek Near Marshalltown
|
37cfs |
Salt Creek Near Elberon
|
42cfs |
Big Bear Creek At Ladora
|
37cfs |
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.
Nagel Dam