Downing Dam dam
Downing Dam
Downing Dam, located in Union, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Iowa DNR. Completed in 1994, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond. With a height of 25 feet and a length of 407 feet, Downing Dam has a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet and a surface area of 4 acres, providing valuable water resources for the surrounding area.
The dam's low hazard potential is complemented by a moderate risk assessment, indicating a level of safety and security for the community. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is regularly inspected, maintained, and regulated by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With its strategic location on TR- Threemile Creek, Downing Dam plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region, highlighting its significance for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, Downing Dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflect a commitment to sustainable water management practices. The dam's proximity to Talmage and its association with fire protection and fisheries underscore its importance in supporting local ecosystems and agricultural activities. As a notable feature in the Rock Island District, Downing Dam stands as a testament to effective collaboration between private ownership, federal agencies, and state regulators in safeguarding water resources and enhancing climate resilience in Union, Iowa.
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 Downing Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Raccoon River At Redfield | 750 cfs | → |
| Raccoon River At Van Meter | 2,980 cfs | → |
| Middle Raccoon River At Panora | 223 cfs | → |
| Raccoon River Near West Des Moines | 1,320 cfs | → |
| East Fork 102 River At Bedford | 1 cfs | → |
| North River Near Norwalk | 1,200 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Downing Dam.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
Track Downing 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 Downing Dam
Where does the data for Downing 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 Downing Dam.