Shoesmith/Kalbach Dam

TR-NORTH RIVER· Adair, Iowa· Built 1966· Earth· 26 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Shoesmith/Kalbach Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 26 ft (taller than 24.7% in IA)
Dam Length413 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage50 acre-ft
Normal Storage15 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1966 (60 years old)
NID IDIA00025

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 12, 1960
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

V Shoesmith & D Kalbach

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Shoesmith/Kalbach Dam?

Shoesmith/Kalbach 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 Shoesmith/Kalbach Dam?

Shoesmith/Kalbach Dam is owned by V Shoesmith & D Kalbach (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Shoesmith/Kalbach Dam built?

Shoesmith/Kalbach Dam was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Shoesmith/Kalbach Dam?

Shoesmith/Kalbach 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 Shoesmith/Kalbach Dam?

Shoesmith/Kalbach 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.

When was Shoesmith/Kalbach Dam last inspected?

Shoesmith/Kalbach Dam was last inspected on October 12, 1960. 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.