Thompson Dam
Key Takeaway
Thompson Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 26 ft (taller than 24.7% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 478 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 140 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 20 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
| NID ID | IA00982 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Virgil C Thompson
Private
Nearby Dams
Sievers Dam
Pottawattamie, IA
Low Hazard 28 ftSchultz Dam
Shelby, IA
Low Hazard 29 ftJohnson Dam
Pottawattamie, IA
Low Hazard 27 ftBerndt Dam
Pottawattamie, IA
Low Hazard 33 ftPrairie Rose Lake Dam
Shelby, IA
Low Hazard 55 ftBeedle Dam
Pottawattamie, IA
Low Hazard 25 ftJames Russmann Dam
Pottawattamie, IA
Low Hazard 24 ftWilliams Dam
Pottawattamie, IA
Low Hazard 21 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Thompson Dam?
Thompson 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 Thompson Dam?
Thompson Dam is owned by Virgil C Thompson (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Thompson Dam built?
Thompson Dam was completed in 1974, making it 52 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 Thompson Dam?
Thompson 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 Thompson Dam?
Thompson 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 Thompson Dam last inspected?
Thompson Dam was last inspected on November 1, 1978. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.