Wm. Seymour Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

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Summary

Seymour Dam, located in Indianola, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. Completed in 1981, this earth dam stands at 41 feet tall and spans 408 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 37 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

The dam, built on TR- Otter Creek, serves as a vital resource for water management and conservation in Warren County, Iowa. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the Wm. Seymour Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and providing water for various purposes in the region. Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, the dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflect a commitment to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience.

As part of the Kansas City District, the Wm. Seymour Dam contributes to the overall water infrastructure in the area, offering fire protection and recreational opportunities while supporting wildlife habitats. The dam's location, surrounded by soil foundations and a drainage area of 0.11 square miles, underscores its importance in the local ecosystem and underscores the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term functionality and safety for the community.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

408

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

TR- OTTER CR.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Drainage Area

0.11

Nid Storage

37

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

41
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.