Walters Creek Watershed Site 40-1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Located in Adams County, Iowa, the Walters Creek Watershed Site 40-1 is a local government-owned dam designed by USDA NRCS for multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1969, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet with a length of 480 feet, providing a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 0.33 square miles and a surface area of 5 acres, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for the residents of Lake Icaria and the surrounding area.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, this dam on TR-Kemp Creek is considered to have a low hazard potential and a moderate risk level. While the condition of the dam has not been rated, routine inspections, permitting, and enforcement by the state regulatory agency ensure its safe operation. Despite not having a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or updated inundation maps, the Walters Creek Watershed Site 40-1 remains a vital component of water resource management in the region. As climate change continues to impact water availability and extreme weather events, the importance of sustainable watershed management practices becomes increasingly essential for safeguarding communities and ecosystems.
With a primary purpose of water storage for various uses, this dam represents a significant piece of infrastructure in the region's water resource management system. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of dams like Walters Creek Watershed Site 40-1 is crucial for addressing challenges related to water security, flood risk reduction, and ecosystem preservation in a changing climate. By promoting sustainable water management practices and ensuring the safety and maintenance of critical infrastructure like this dam, stakeholders can work towards building resilient communities and protecting valuable water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-KEMP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
0.33 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Walters Creek Watershed Site 40-1