Carlson Dam

TR-FOUR MILE CR· Audubon, Iowa· Built 1950· Earth· 33 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Carlson Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 33 ft (taller than 63.3% in IA)
Dam Length565 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage188 acre-ft
Normal Storage103 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1950 (76 years old)
NID IDIA01966

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 2, 1999
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Elmer Carlson

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Carlson Dam?

Carlson Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Carlson Dam?

Carlson Dam is owned by Elmer Carlson (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Carlson Dam built?

Carlson Dam was completed in 1950, making it 76 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Carlson Dam?

Carlson Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Carlson Dam?

Carlson Dam has a dam height of 33 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Carlson Dam last inspected?

Carlson Dam was last inspected on June 2, 1999. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.