Gibbs Dam

TR-MARVEL CREEK· Adair, Iowa· Built 1959· Earth· 20 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Gibbs Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 7.5% in IA)
Dam Length514 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage87 acre-ft
Normal Storage40 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1959 (67 years old)
NID IDIA00026

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

Audra Gibbs

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gibbs Dam?

Gibbs 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 Gibbs Dam?

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

When was Gibbs Dam built?

Gibbs Dam was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Gibbs Dam?

Gibbs 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 Gibbs Dam?

Gibbs Dam has a dam height of 20 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.