Joe Sinclair Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Joe Sinclair Dam, located in Hiteman, Iowa, is a private water supply dam designed by Erin Van Roekel and completed in 2018.


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Summary

With a height of 35 feet and a length of 515 feet, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of water supply, providing a storage capacity of 138 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 84 acre-feet. The dam sits on an unnamed tributary in Monroe County, Iowa, and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Despite being rated as low hazard potential and not having a condition assessment, Joe Sinclair Dam falls under moderate risk with a risk assessment of 3. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet and has not been modified since its completion. Although there are no outlet gates or associated structures, the dam covers a surface area of 9.4 acres and drains a 0.25 square mile watershed. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Joe Sinclair Dam to be an essential component of the local water supply infrastructure, contributing to the sustainable management of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

2018

Dam Length

515

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

Unnamed Trib

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.4

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

138

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.