James Russmann Dam, located in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2016.
Wind
Humidity
This earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and spans a length of 600 feet, with a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet. The dam serves as a tributary of the West Nishnabotna River, providing flood control and water resource management for the surrounding area.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the James Russmann Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated", the dam is an essential infrastructure for the community of Hancock. Despite not being rated, the dam's purpose goes beyond flood control and water storage, serving as a vital resource for the local ecosystem and climate resilience.
As a key component of the local water infrastructure, the James Russmann Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability in the region. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam represents a blend of traditional engineering techniques and modern design principles. Although its hazard potential is considered low, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential to keep the dam in optimal condition and to uphold its role in water resource management and climate adaptation efforts.
Year Completed |
2016 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
Tributary of West Nishnabotna |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
105 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
West Nishnabotna River At Hancock
|
154cfs |
East Nishnabotna River Near Atlantic
|
143cfs |
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
East Nishnabotna River At Red Oak
|
270cfs |
Missouri River At Omaha
|
17700cfs |
Big Papillion Cr
|
38cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Botna Bend County Park
|
||
Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds
|
||
Lyons Park
|
||
Nishna Bend Rec Area
|
||
Arrowhead Park
|