Derby Dam

TR- SOAP CREEK· Davis, Iowa· Built 2001· Earth· 26 ft tall
Low Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Local Government

Key Takeaway

Derby Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 2001 and is 25 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 26 ft (taller than 24.7% in IA)
Dam Length458 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage120 acre-ft
Normal Storage32 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed2001 (25 years old)
NID IDIA03639

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
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Russell Derby

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Derby Dam?

Derby 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 Derby Dam?

Derby Dam is owned by Russell Derby (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Derby Dam built?

Derby Dam was completed in 2001, making it 25 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 Derby Dam?

Derby 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 Derby Dam?

Derby Dam has a dam height of 26 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.

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.