John Deere Tcao Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

John Deere Tcao Dam, located in Waterloo, Iowa, was completed in 1980 and serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Tr to Cedar Creek.


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Summary

Designed by Shive Hattery, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 15 feet with a length of 1250 feet, providing a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, spans 96 feet in width to manage a maximum discharge of 200 cubic feet per second.

With a hazard potential rated as significant and a risk assessment of moderate, the dam plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the surrounding areas from potential flooding events. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources regulates and inspects the dam, ensuring its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. Despite not having a current condition assessment, the John Deere Tcao Dam remains a critical infrastructure contributing to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

1250

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Tr to Cedar Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.5

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

75

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.