Akers Farms Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Akers Farms Dam, located in Grand River, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam designed by USDA - NRCS primarily for grade stabilization purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 2016, this structure stands at 31 feet high and spans a length of 517 feet, with a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary of West Branch Creek, the dam serves to control water flow and prevent soil erosion in the surrounding area.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Akers Farms Dam has not been formally rated for its current condition. Despite being regulated and inspected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are yet to be fully documented. The spillway, with a width of 10 feet, is uncontrolled, and the dam has a maximum discharge rate of 25 cubic feet per second, ensuring efficient water management during periods of high flow.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the strategic location and purposeful design of Akers Farms Dam, which serves as a critical infrastructure for maintaining the ecological balance and water quality of the region. As a relatively new structure, further assessments and documentation are needed to ensure its long-term safety and effectiveness in managing water resources in Adair County, Iowa.
Year Completed |
2016 |
Dam Length |
517 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
Tributary of West Branch Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.16 |
Nid Storage |
83 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
|
92cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
Raccoon River At 63rd Street At Des Moines
|
587cfs |
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.
Akers Farms Dam