Matt Leichty Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

The Matt Leichty Dam, located in Coppock, Iowa, is a private earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS for grade stabilization purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 2008, this dam stands at 29 feet tall and spans 292 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 31 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary of Williams Creek, the dam serves to regulate water flow and prevent erosion in the surrounding area.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the Matt Leichty Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 10 cubic feet per second. Despite its private ownership, the dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its compliance with regulatory standards and safeguarding its structural integrity.

Ensuring the safety and functionality of the Matt Leichty Dam is crucial for maintaining the water resources in Henry County, Iowa. With a focus on grade stabilization and water flow management, this dam plays a vital role in protecting the local environment and surrounding communities from the potential risks associated with flooding and erosion. As a key infrastructure project in the area, the Matt Leichty Dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

2008

Dam Length

292

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

tributary of Williams Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.09

Nid Storage

31

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.