Wendl Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Wendl Dam, located in Lake Panorama, Iowa, is a private earth dam constructed in 1959 by the USDA SCS.
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Summary
With a height of 29 feet and a length of 495 feet, it serves primarily for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes. The dam has a storage capacity of 31 acre-feet and a surface area of 3 acres, with a drainage area of 0.24 square miles along the TR-Middle Racoon River.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Wendl Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is rated as having a moderate risk (3) due to unspecified reasons. Although the condition assessment is not rated, there are no reported issues or incidents associated with the dam, and it meets regulatory guidelines.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Wendl Dam an interesting structure to study, given its unique design, purpose, and location. The dam plays a crucial role in providing water storage for fire protection and recreational use, contributing to the local ecosystem and maintaining water resources in the area. Further research and monitoring may be needed to assess any potential risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of Wendl Dam.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
495 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MIDDLE RACOON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.24 |
Nid Storage |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Wendl Dam