Spencer Dam

TR- HARRIS GROVE CREEK· Harrison, Iowa· Built 2007· Earth· 47 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Spencer Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 2007 and is 19 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 47 ft (taller than 93.3% in IA)
Dam Length378 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage93 acre-ft
Normal Storage57 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed2007 (19 years old)
NID IDIA03669

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

Ralph E Spencer III

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Spencer Dam?

Spencer 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 Spencer Dam?

Spencer Dam is owned by Ralph E Spencer III (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Spencer Dam built?

Spencer Dam was completed in 2007, making it 19 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 Spencer Dam?

Spencer 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 Spencer Dam?

Spencer Dam has a dam height of 47 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.