Rockford Dam dam
Rockford Dam
Rockford Dam, located in Floyd County, Iowa, is a gravity dam on the Shell Rock River with a primary purpose of recreation. Completed in 1860, this historic structure stands at a height of 8 feet and a length of 170 feet, providing a storage capacity of 153 acre-feet and a surface area of 40 acres. The dam is state-regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement to maintain its satisfactory condition and low hazard potential.
Despite its age, Rockford Dam continues to serve as a popular recreational spot for locals and visitors alike, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-related activities. Its uncontrolled spillway and sandy soil foundation contribute to its unique characteristics, while its moderate risk assessment of 3 reflects the ongoing efforts to manage potential hazards. With a designated emergency action plan and a history of meeting safety guidelines, Rockford Dam remains a valued asset in the conservation and enjoyment of water resources in the area.
As part of the Rock Island District, Rockford Dam benefits from the oversight of the local government and the support of the community. While it may not have federal funding or involvement, its significance as a historic and functional structure underscores the importance of responsible stewardship and continued maintenance for the enjoyment and safety of all who visit this beloved landmark on the Shell Rock River.
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 Rockford Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar River At Charles City | 531 cfs | → |
| Winnebago River At Mason City | 338 cfs | → |
| Little Cedar River Near Ionia | 232 cfs | → |
| Shell Rock River At Shell Rock | 1,240 cfs | → |
| Cedar River At Waverly | 1,650 cfs | → |
| West Fork Cedar River At Finchford | 539 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Rockford Dam.
Boat launches
- Big Blue Loop Mason City
- South Pierce Avenue Mason City
- Main Avenue Clear Lake
- Nelson Street Cerro Gordo County
- 245th Street Butler County
- 140th Street Bremer County
Campgrounds
- West Idlewild County Park
- Wilkinson Pioneer Ounty Park Campgrounds
- Lime Creek County Conservation Area
- Osage Sprink Park Campground
- Colwell County Park Camping
- Interstate County Park Campground
Paddle runs
Track Rockford 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 Rockford Dam
Where does the data for Rockford 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 Rockford Dam.