Bernstein Dam dam
Bernstein Dam
Bernstein Dam, located in Mahaska County, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of recreation. Completed in 1976, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and spans 525 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-Muchakinock Creek and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
The dam's hazard potential is deemed significant, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam has not undergone any modifications since its completion. Despite the lack of specific emergency preparedness details, the dam's risk management measures and inundation maps are not readily available. With its scenic location and recreational offerings, Bernstein Dam serves as a vital water resource for the local community, providing not only fire protection and stock water but also opportunities for fishing and outdoor activities.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the impact of dams on local ecosystems and water management will find Bernstein Dam to be a fascinating case study. With its earth structure and uncontrolled spillway, the dam presents both opportunities for recreation and challenges for risk management. As a privately owned facility, Bernstein Dam highlights the importance of state regulation and inspection to ensure the safety and sustainability of water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
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 Bernstein Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa | 4,480 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River Near Tracy | 19,200 cfs | → |
| Cedar Creek Near Bussey | 489 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River Near Pella | 19,200 cfs | → |
| English Creek Near Knoxville | 239 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At Ottumwa | 22,200 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Bernstein Dam.
Boat launches
- Mahaska County
- 198th Place Marion County
- Marion County
- Jefferson Street Viaduct Ottumwa
- Cliffland Road Wapello County
Track Bernstein 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 Bernstein Dam
Where does the data for Bernstein 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 Significant 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 Bernstein Dam.