Carpenter Dam

TR-SOUTH RIVER· Warren, Iowa· Built 1977· Earth· 48 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Carpenter Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 48 ft (taller than 94.1% in IA)
Dam Length505 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage58 acre-ft
Normal Storage45 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1977 (49 years old)
NID IDIA01878

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: October 1, 2003
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Harold E Carpenter

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Carpenter Dam?

Carpenter 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 Carpenter Dam?

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

When was Carpenter Dam built?

Carpenter Dam was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Carpenter Dam?

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

How tall is Carpenter Dam?

Carpenter Dam has a dam height of 48 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 Carpenter Dam last inspected?

Carpenter Dam was last inspected on October 1, 2003. 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.