West Douglas Watershed Site L-6 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Located in Villisca, Iowa, the West Douglas Watershed Site L-6 is a crucial water resource managed by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1968, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 39 feet and a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet, this structure plays a key role in managing the water resources of the TR-Middle Nodaway river basin.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the condition of the West Douglas Watershed Site L-6 is currently not rated. However, with state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place by the Iowa DNR, this dam is monitored and maintained to ensure its safety and functionality. The site covers a drainage area of 0.14 square miles and has a normal storage capacity of 28 acre-feet, making it an important asset for water management in the region.

As a part of the broader Kansas City District, this watershed site is a critical infrastructure for the community and demonstrates the collaborative effort between local government agencies and federal entities like the USDA NRCS. With its strategic location and multi-purpose functionality, the West Douglas Watershed Site L-6 stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

774

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

TR-MIDDLE NODAWAY

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.14

Nid Storage

40

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

39
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.