Buckmaster Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Buckmaster is a privately-owned earth dam located in Allamakee, Iowa, near the Mississippi River.


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Summary

Built in 1967 by the USDA NRCS, the dam's primary purpose is grade stabilization, with a height of 35 feet and a length of 411 feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates.

The dam has a storage capacity of 27 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5 acres, serving a drainage area of 0.75 square miles. Despite its age, the condition assessment of Buckmaster is not available, with no recent inspection data provided. The dam is not under the jurisdiction of any state regulatory agency and does not have specific enforcement or inspection protocols in place.

As an important structure for managing water resources in the area, Buckmaster plays a crucial role in grade stabilization and flood control along the Tr- Mississippi River. With its unique design by the USDA NRCS and its location in a critical watershed, Buckmaster serves as a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in understanding and protecting the region's hydrological infrastructure.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

411

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

Tr- Mississippi River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

0.75

Nid Storage

27

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.