Blackwell Dam dam
Blackwell Dam
Blackwell Dam, located in Mt. Sterling, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Iowa DNR. Completed in 1958, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and spans a length of 455 feet, serving primarily for fire protection and as a small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet and a surface area of 4 acres, Blackwell Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Blackwell Dam's condition remains unrated. The dam's spillway, categorized as uncontrolled, presents a unique aspect of its design. While it has not undergone any modifications since its completion, the dam's last inspection dates back to 1960. With a drainage area of 0.32 square miles, the dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure for maintaining water supply and regulating flow in the Fox River.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Blackwell Dam offers a fascinating case study in dam construction and management. With its historical significance and continued operational relevance, this structure exemplifies the intricate balance between human intervention and natural ecosystems. As efforts towards sustainable water management continue to gain importance, Blackwell Dam stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of water infrastructure in the region.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Blackwell Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Fox River At Bloomfield | 7 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At Keosauqua | 6,820 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At Ottumwa | 6,430 cfs | → |
| Chariton River Near Moulton | 66 cfs | → |
| Chariton River At Livonia | 45 cfs | → |
| Chariton River Near Rathbun | 23 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Blackwell Dam.
Boat launches
- Cliffland Road Wapello County
- Jersey Avenue Van Buren County
- Van Buren County
- Lake Showme Drive Scotland County
- Jefferson Street Viaduct Ottumwa
- Us 136 Schuyler County
Campgrounds
- Mcgowen Rec Area
- Lake Fisher
- Drakesville City Park
- Waubonsie Trail Park
- Lake Wapello State Park
- Lake Wapello State Park Campground
More reservoirs
Track Blackwell Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Blackwell Dam
Where does the data for Blackwell Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Blackwell Dam.