Bernstein Dam is an earth dam located in Mahaska County, Iowa, built in 1976. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
Dam profile
NID height · 35 ft35 ft tall and 525 ft long, taller than 80% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Bernstein Dam
The primary purpose of Bernstein Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by William Bernstein Trust (private). It impounds the Tr-muchakinock Creek near Givin.
The dam stands 35 feet tall and stretches 525 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 6 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 94 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1976, the structure is 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life.
At 35 feet, this dam is taller than 80% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Iowa |
| County | Mahaska |
| Nearest City | Givin |
| River/Stream | Tr-muchakinock Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.26040, -92.69330 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Length | 525 ft |
| Year Completed | 1976 (50 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 94 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 94 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 52 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | William Bernstein Trust |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not assessed |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IA01634 |
| Federal ID | IA01634 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |