West Douglas Watershed Site L-5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

West Douglas Watershed Site L-5 is a local government-owned dam located in Villisca, Iowa.


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Summary

Built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 30 feet high with a length of 600 feet, serving purposes such as fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. With a normal storage capacity of 19 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.29 square miles, this dam on the TR-Middle Nodaway river is crucial for water resource management in the area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, West Douglas Watershed Site L-5 poses a moderate risk, according to the data. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and information on emergency action plans, inspection frequency, and risk management measures is not available. However, the Iowa DNR regulates and inspects the dam, ensuring that it meets state permitting and enforcement requirements. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find this site of interest for its role in maintaining water supply, flood control, and ecological balance in the region.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-MIDDLE NODAWAY

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.29

Nid Storage

62

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.