Ross Dam dam
Ross Dam
Ross Dam, located in Colfax, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Iowa DNR. Completed in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans 272 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet for purposes such as fire protection and small fish pond management. Situated on the TR-Skunk River, Ross Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment.
With a surface area of 4.2 acres and a drainage area of 0.29 square miles, Ross Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Despite its small size, the dam serves as a vital asset for fire protection and stock maintenance. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and soil foundation contribute to its overall structure, while its location within the Rock Island District ensures compliance with state regulations and inspections.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Ross Dam as a key component of the local ecosystem, providing both practical benefits for the community and a unique habitat for various species. As a privately owned entity with a history of responsible management, Ross Dam serves as a testament to the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in maintaining a balanced environment for all.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Ross Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Creek Near Mingo | 724 cfs | → |
| South Skunk River At Colfax | 1,880 cfs | → |
| Fourmile Creek Near Ankeny | 154 cfs | → |
| Fourmile Creek At Des Moines | 217 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At 2nd Avenue | 5,350 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River Near Saylorville | 4,250 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Ross Dam.
Boat launches
- Southeast Vandalia Drive Pleasant Hill
- Polk County
- Birdland Park Boat Launch
- Prospect Road Des Moines
- Neal Smith Trail Polk County
Track Ross Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Ross Dam
Where does the data for Ross Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Ross Dam.