Thorn Tree Dam

TR- SOUTH RIVER· Warren, Iowa· Built 1997· Earth· 42 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Thorn Tree Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1997 and is 29 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 42 ft (taller than 87.5% in IA)
Dam Length663 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage285 acre-ft
Normal Storage122 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1997 (29 years old)
NID IDIA03102

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

Thorn Tree Development

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Thorn Tree Dam?

Thorn Tree 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 Thorn Tree Dam?

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

When was Thorn Tree Dam built?

Thorn Tree 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 Thorn Tree Dam?

Thorn Tree Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Thorn Tree Dam?

Thorn Tree Dam has a dam height of 42 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.