Swaim Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Swaim Dam, located in Floris, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by Kent O.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Rice and French-Reneker-Associates for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Completed in 2016, this earth dam stands at a height of 36 feet and has a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Swaim Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Swaim Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its proper functioning and safety. The dam's spillway, with a width of 24 feet, helps control the maximum discharge of 37 cubic feet per second. Although the dam's drainage area is listed as 0, its normal storage capacity is 30 acre-feet, providing valuable flood risk reduction and grade stabilization benefits to the community.

Despite not having a current condition assessment, Swaim Dam continues to serve its purpose effectively in mitigating flood risks in the region. With its strategic location in Davis County, Iowa, and its modern design features, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.

Year Completed

2016

Dam Height

36

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

55

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.