Mc Whirter Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Mc Whirter Dam, located in Jasper County, Iowa, was completed in 1960 and is owned by a private entity.


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Summary

Designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and stretches 542 feet in length. The primary purpose of the dam is for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet and a surface area of 9.4 acres.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Mc Whirter Dam is state-regulated and regularly inspected to ensure its safety and compliance with environmental regulations. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Situated along TR-Indian Creek, the dam serves as a vital resource for water management in the region, providing essential protection against floods and contributing to the overall water supply in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mc Whirter Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned structure that plays a crucial role in fire protection and water management. With its unique design and purpose, the dam showcases the importance of sustainable infrastructure for mitigating risks and enhancing water security in the face of changing climate conditions. As a key asset in the region's water infrastructure, Mc Whirter Dam serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners, regulatory agencies, and designers in ensuring the resilience of our water resources.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

542

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR-INDIAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.4

Drainage Area

0.19

Nid Storage

130

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.