Sels Dam, located in Van Buren County, Iowa, was completed in 1957 and is owned privately.
Wind
Humidity
Designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and spans a length of 603 feet. Its primary purpose is for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond use, providing a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Sels Dam is regulated and inspected by the state, with a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment. While it currently does not have a condition rating, the dam is considered to meet safety guidelines. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type, and having no outlet gates, the dam serves its intended purposes effectively.
Situated in a rural area, Sels Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. With its modest surface area of 6 acres and a drainage area of 0.5 square miles, the dam serves as a vital resource for local water supply and agricultural needs. Its historical significance, combined with its practical functions, make Sels Dam a noteworthy structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
603 |
Dam Height |
23 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
126 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Des Moines River At Keosauqua
|
1800cfs |
Fox River At Bloomfield
|
7cfs |
Des Moines River At Ottumwa
|
1090cfs |
Chariton River At Livonia
|
45cfs |
Cedar Creek Near Oakland Mills
|
10cfs |
Des Moines River At St. Francisville
|
1620cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Waubonsie Trail Park
|
||
Lake Sugema County Park
|
||
Lacey - Keosauqua State Park
|
||
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park Campground
|