Bernstein Estate Dam dam
Bernstein Estate Dam
Located in Coppock, Iowa, the Bernstein Estate Dam is a private structure designed by the USDA NRCS for grade stabilization along the Tr-South Skunk River. Completed in 2000, this earth dam stands at 25 feet high and spans 217 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 18 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of grade stabilization and has a low hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating.
Although not regulated by the state, the Bernstein Estate Dam is monitored by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and has not been officially inspected or rated for its condition. With an uncontrolled spillway and no outlet gates, the dam's emergency action plan status remains unknown. Despite its modest size and storage capacity, this dam plays a crucial role in managing local water resources and mitigating potential risks in the area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Bernstein Estate Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of private ownership, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure development.
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 Estate Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa | 1,230 cfs | → |
| North Skunk River Near Sigourney | 319 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At Ottumwa | 7,220 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River Near Tracy | 6,910 cfs | → |
| Cedar Creek Near Bussey | 24 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River Near Pella | 6,780 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Bernstein Estate Dam.
Boat launches
- Mahaska County
- Jefferson Street Viaduct Ottumwa
- County Road V5g Keokuk County
- Cliffland Road Wapello County
- W15 / 330th Avenue Keokuk County
- 198th Place Marion County
Track Bernstein Estate 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 Estate Dam
Where does the data for Bernstein Estate 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 Bernstein Estate Dam.