Cummins Dam dam
Cummins Dam
Located in Mt. Etna, Iowa, the Cummins Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the USDA NRCS and the Iowa DNR in creating a sustainable water resource for fire protection, livestock, and small fish pond purposes. Completed in 1999, this earth dam spans 408 feet in length and reaches a height of 33 feet, providing a storage capacity of 37 acre-feet. Situated on the TR- Middle Nodaway River, this low hazard potential dam serves as a vital component in the local water management system.
The Cummins Dam's design features a spillway type of 'Uncontrolled', reflecting a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, it undergoes regular state inspection, enforcement, and permitting protocols to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's location in a rural setting within Adair County, Iowa, highlights its importance in maintaining water resources for agriculture and environmental sustainability in the region. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Cummins Dam remains an essential asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.
Overall, Cummins Dam serves as a prime example of effective collaboration between private and state entities in managing water resources for multiple purposes. Its strategic location on the TR- Middle Nodaway River, combined with its structural design and storage capacity, underscores its importance in ensuring water security for the local community. As a key infrastructure for fire protection, livestock, and small fish pond needs, Cummins Dam stands as a reliable and sustainable solution for water management in Mt. Etna, Iowa, demonstrating the essential role of dams in supporting both human and environmental well-being.
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 Cummins Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| East Nishnabotna River Near Atlantic | 226 cfs | → |
| South Raccoon River At Redfield | 692 cfs | → |
| Middle Raccoon River At Panora | 243 cfs | → |
| Raccoon River At Van Meter | 2,970 cfs | → |
| Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard | 261 cfs | → |
| East Nishnabotna River At Red Oak | 438 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Cummins Dam.
Track Cummins 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 Cummins Dam
Where does the data for Cummins 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 Cummins Dam.