Bobwhite Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Bobwhite Lake Dam, located in Wayne County, Iowa, is a state-regulated structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1900, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 630 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1800 acre-feet. Situated on the South Fork Chariton River, the dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 94 feet.

Despite being rated as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 deemed it to be in fair condition. With a moderate risk rating, the dam undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its safety and functionality. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources serves as the regulatory agency overseeing the dam's operations and enforcement, highlighting the importance of maintaining this vital water resource for both recreational and environmental purposes.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

630

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

SOUTH FORK CHARITON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

104

Drainage Area

5.58

Nid Storage

1800

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.