Big Wyacondah Watershed Site 27-K Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Davis County, Iowa, the Big Wyacondah Watershed Site 27-K is a local government-owned earth dam constructed in 1963 by USDA NRCS.


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Summary

With a height of 24 feet and a length of 504 feet, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond creation. It has a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres, with a drainage area of 0.41 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, this dam on the TR-South Wyacondah River is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the dam poses a moderate risk due to its age and lack of recent condition assessments. While it does not have a designated emergency action plan (EAP) or inundation maps prepared, the dam remains an essential asset for flood risk reduction in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Big Wyacondah Watershed Site 27-K offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of infrastructure, environmental protection, and community resilience. Its historical significance, practical applications, and regulatory oversight make it a key component of the local watershed management efforts, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

504

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH WYACONDAH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

0.41

Nid Storage

105

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.