Big Wyacondah Watershed Site 27-H-4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Wyacondah Watershed Site 27-H-4, located in Davis County, Iowa, is a significant earth dam constructed in 1963 by the USDA NRCS to serve the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Situated along the TR-South Wyacondah River, this dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 422 feet, with a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

With a drainage area of 0.22 square miles, Big Wyacondah Watershed Site 27-H-4 plays a crucial role in managing the water resources in the region. The dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflect a commitment to sustainable water management practices. Although the dam is currently rated as "not assessed," its moderate risk level indicates the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard against potential hazards.

As a key infrastructure in the Kansas City District, Big Wyacondah Watershed Site 27-H-4 serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government agencies, federal entities, and conservation organizations in safeguarding water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. Its strategic location and design contribute to the overall resilience of the watershed, showcasing the importance of proactive water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

422

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH WYACONDAH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

0.22

Nid Storage

77

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.