Located in Ottumwa, Iowa, Jefferson Park Watershed Site 1 is a flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1976. This Earth dam stands at a height of 36 feet and spans 454 feet along the TR-Des Moines River. The dam has a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 14 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 3.2 acres within a drainage area of 0.21 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, this watershed site is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and flood risk reduction capabilities. With a high hazard potential, the dam is classified as satisfactory in condition and subject to a moderate risk assessment. The spillway, with a width of 3 feet, is uncontrolled, posing a potential risk during high flow events. Overall, Jefferson Park Watershed Site 1 serves as a critical infrastructure for managing water resources in Wapello County, Iowa, under the jurisdiction of the local government.

Enthusiasts of water resource and climate management will find Jefferson Park Watershed Site 1 a fascinating example of engineering for flood risk reduction. With its strategic location along the TR-Des Moines River and its vital role in protecting Ottumwa from potential inundation, this Earth dam showcases the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events. As a state-regulated and inspected structure, Jefferson Park Watershed Site 1 stands as a testament to collaborative efforts in safeguarding communities against flooding and preserving the natural environment.