Gray Dam

TR-IOWA RIVER· Tama, Iowa· Built 1964· Earth· 27 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Gray Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 27 ft (taller than 30.7% in IA)
Dam Length414 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage83 acre-ft
Normal Storage33 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1964 (62 years old)
NID IDIA01035

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

Harry Gray

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gray Dam?

Gray 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 Gray Dam?

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

When was Gray Dam built?

Gray Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Gray Dam?

Gray 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 Gray Dam?

Gray Dam has a dam height of 27 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.