Wildwood Hill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Wildwood Hill Dam, also known as Bortell Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Hanley, Iowa, along the Jones Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1961 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 26 feet and a length of 400 feet, the dam has a maximum storage capacity of 114 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6.6 acres.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wildwood Hill Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have moderate risk and has not been assessed for its condition. While it currently does not have an emergency action plan in place, the dam is monitored to meet guidelines for risk management and public safety.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Wildwood Hill Dam an intriguing structure, showcasing how private owners collaborate with government agencies to manage water resources for multiple purposes while balancing the need for safety and compliance with regulations. This dam serves as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in rural areas like Madison County, Iowa.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-JONES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.6

Drainage Area

0.64

Nid Storage

114

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.