Ware Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Yahnke Dam Mcclure Trust Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ware Dam, located in Keosauqua, Iowa, along the Tr- South Chequest Creek, was completed in 2000 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of grade stabilization.
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Summary
This private earth dam stands at 26 feet high and spans 257 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 37 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Ware Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region.
Despite not being regulated or inspected by state agencies, Ware Dam plays a crucial role in flood control and sediment retention in the area. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and soil foundation contribute to its structural integrity, ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems. As a key component of the local water management system, Ware Dam exemplifies the importance of private initiatives in safeguarding our water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
With its strategic location and efficient design, Ware Dam remains a cornerstone of sustainable water resource management in Davis County, Iowa. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water availability and quality, structures like Ware Dam demonstrate the proactive measures that can be taken to address these threats. By prioritizing grade stabilization and risk management, Ware Dam stands as a testament to the innovative solutions needed to ensure the resilience of our water infrastructure in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
2000 |
Dam Length |
257 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
Tr- South Chequest Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.16 |
Nid Storage |
37 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Fox River At Bloomfield
|
7cfs |
Des Moines River At Keosauqua
|
1800cfs |
Des Moines River At Ottumwa
|
1090cfs |
Chariton River Near Moulton
|
34cfs |
Cedar Creek Near Oakland Mills
|
10cfs |
Chariton River At Livonia
|
45cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Ware Dam