Koch Dam

TR- SOUTH RIVER· Clarke, Iowa· Built 1997· Earth· 28 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Koch Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1997 and is 29 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 28 ft (taller than 36.9% in IA)
Dam Length288 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage20 acre-ft
Normal Storage12 acre-ft
Surface Area2 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1997 (29 years old)
NID IDIA03356

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: No

Ownership

Richard Koch

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Koch Dam?

Koch 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 Koch Dam?

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

When was Koch Dam built?

Koch Dam was completed in 1997, making it 29 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 Koch Dam?

Koch 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 Koch Dam?

Koch Dam has a dam height of 28 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.