Big Wyacondah Watershed Site 44 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Wyacondah Watershed Site 44 is a significant water resource in Iowa, owned by the local government and regulated by the Iowa DNR.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1966, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 16 feet and a storage capacity of 71 acre-feet, it covers a surface area of 6 acres and drains a small area of 0.18 square miles.

Located in Davis County, Iowa, near Arbele, MO, this dam on the TR-South Wyacondah River is designed by USDA NRCS and falls under the jurisdiction of the Kansas City District of the USACE. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the dam is currently in a condition that is not rated. While it has not been inspected recently, it is still in operation and serves as an important water management structure in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Big Wyacondah Watershed Site 44 offers a glimpse into the intricate network of dams and reservoirs that play a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks. With its unique combination of purposes and its location in a picturesque setting, this site represents a blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity in water management. As climate change continues to impact water systems, understanding the importance of such structures becomes increasingly vital for ensuring sustainable water management practices in the future.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

498

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH WYACONDAH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

0.18

Nid Storage

71

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

16
       
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.