Nicholson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Knapp Farms Dam Robison Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Nicholson Dam, located in Taylor County, Iowa, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
Built in 1991 by the USDA NRCS, this private earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 470 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 22 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 4 acres and drains a 0.21 square mile watershed along the TR- West Fork 102 River.
Despite its low hazard potential, Nicholson Dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, its risk assessment is classified as moderate. Although the dam does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan, it meets regulatory guidelines and serves as a critical resource for water storage and management in the region.
In the event of an emergency, local authorities can contact the dam's owner for necessary actions. As climate change continues to impact water resources, Nicholson Dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability for firefighting, livestock, and aquatic habitat maintenance in the area. Its construction and maintenance are overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1991 |
Dam Length |
470 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR- WEST FORK 102 RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.21 |
Nid Storage |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Nicholson Dam