West Douglas Watershed Site L-7 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
West Douglas Watershed Site L-7, located in Villisca, Iowa, is a key water resource managed by the local government with oversight from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
This earth dam, completed in 1968, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, small fish pond management, and flood risk reduction. With a height of 42 feet and a length of 412 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 71 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4 acres within a drainage area of 0.25 square miles.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam at West Douglas Watershed Site L-7 is deemed to have a moderate risk level. The structure, primarily constructed for agricultural and environmental purposes, is not currently rated for its condition. While it does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan or updated emergency contacts, the dam is inspected regularly and meets state regulatory requirements for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The risk management measures for this site are not specified, but the dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management in the area.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the infrastructure and management of sites like West Douglas Watershed Site L-7 is essential for maintaining the balance between human needs and environmental sustainability. This dam exemplifies the importance of multi-purpose structures in managing water resources for various uses while also highlighting the need for ongoing assessment and risk management to ensure the safety and effectiveness of such critical infrastructure in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
412 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MIDDLE NODAWAY |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.25 |
Nid Storage |
71 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Hacklebarney Woods County Park
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Pilot Grove Co Park
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Viking Lake State Park
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Viking Lake State Park Campground
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West Douglas Watershed Site L-7