Big Wyacondah Watershed Site 38-A Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Big Wyacondah Watershed Site 38-A is a significant water resource in Iowa, specifically located in Davis County.
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Summary
The site, managed by the local government, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock maintenance, and small fish pond creation. The dam, completed in 1971, is primarily an earth structure with a height of 27 feet and a length of 470 feet. It has a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 38 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 3 acres and draining a 0.12 square mile area.
The dam is regulated and inspected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its compliance with state regulations. Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk assessment due to its age and lack of recent condition assessments. The spillway at the site is uncontrolled, with no outlet gates or locks present. Emergency preparedness measures like an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) are not currently in place, indicating a need for updated risk management strategies to address potential safety concerns.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Big Wyacondah Watershed Site 38-A offers a unique opportunity to study the management and maintenance of a local government-owned dam in Iowa. With its diverse purposes and historical significance, the site presents a valuable case study for understanding the challenges and considerations involved in maintaining water infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the need for effective risk management measures and emergency preparedness at sites like this becomes increasingly important to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water systems.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
470 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH WYACONDAH RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.12 |
Nid Storage |
64 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Fox River At Bloomfield
|
7cfs |
Chariton River Near Moulton
|
34cfs |
Des Moines River At Ottumwa
|
1090cfs |
Chariton River At Livonia
|
45cfs |
Chariton River Near Rathbun
|
14cfs |
Des Moines River At Keosauqua
|
1800cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Fisher
|
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McGowen Rec Area
|
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Drakesville City Park
|
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Lake Wapello State Park
|
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Lake Wapello State Park Campground
|
Big Wyacondah Watershed Site 38-A