Iowa Noname49 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Iowa Noname49 is a dam located in Sioux County, Iowa, on the TR-BIG SIOUX RIVER.


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Summary

Built in 1966 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 61 feet and spans 520 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 206 acre-feet, it serves multiple purposes including recreation and other activities.

Owned and regulated by the local government, specifically the IOWA DNR, Iowa Noname49 is classified as a low hazard potential structure with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. Despite not having a condition assessment rating, the dam is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. With a surface area of 10 acres and draining an area of 0.65 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

As a key feature in the St. Paul District of the USACE, Iowa Noname49 showcases the collaborative efforts between federal and state agencies in water resource management. While the dam lacks certain features like outlet gates and locks, its uncontrolled spillway type and soil foundation contribute to its overall structural integrity. With its location in HAWARDEN, Iowa, this dam serves as a significant infrastructure for the community, offering recreational opportunities and contributing to the overall water management efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

61

River Or Stream

TR-BIG SIOUX RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

0.65

Nid Storage

206

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

61
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.