Wheeler Dam, located in Mahaska County, Iowa, was completed in 1960 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection and as a small fish pond.
Wind
Humidity
This earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a length of 315 feet, with a storage capacity of 37 acre-feet. The dam is owned privately and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with inspections and enforcement ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The dam, designed by the USDA NRCS, is situated on TR-Buck Creek and has a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment. Despite not being rated for its condition, Wheeler Dam continues to provide essential services for the local community and environment. With its uncontrolled spillway and soil foundation, the dam covers a surface area of 3.4 acres and drains a 0.14 square mile area, contributing to the overall water resource management in the region.
Although Wheeler Dam does not have associated structures or locks, it plays a vital role in water conservation and management in the Union Mills area. With its long history of service and moderate risk level, the dam remains a key component in the local water infrastructure, ensuring the safety and well-being of the surrounding community while also supporting ecological biodiversity and sustainable resource utilization.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
315 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BUCK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.14 |
Nid Storage |
37 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa
|
485cfs |
Des Moines River Near Tracy
|
1400cfs |
Des Moines River Near Pella
|
2440cfs |
North Skunk River Near Sigourney
|
97cfs |
Cedar Creek Near Bussey
|
11cfs |
Walnut Creek Near Hartwick
|
13cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Robertson Access
|
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Union Mills Access
|
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Diamond Lake County Park
|
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Glendale Access
|