Wise Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Wise Dam, located in Smithland, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a length of 289 feet. It has a storage capacity of 19 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 14 acre-feet, serving as a water resource for the local area.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Wise Dam is state-regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure safety and compliance. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. While it has not been assessed for Emergency Action Plan (EAP) preparedness, the risk assessment is moderate, warranting attention to risk management measures. Located on the TR-Little Sioux River, Wise Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in Woodbury County, Iowa.
Despite its modest size and storage capacity, Wise Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for fire protection, livestock, and recreational purposes in the region. With its controlled spillway and state regulation, the dam ensures water safety and management for the surrounding community. As climate change impacts water resources, Wise Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water infrastructure for both human and ecological needs in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
289 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE SIOUX RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.25 |
Nid Storage |
19 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
Missouri River At Decatur
|
14800cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Wise Dam