Vanderwerff Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Depenning Dam Terlouw/Van Wyk Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Vanderwerff Dam, located in Galesburg, Iowa, was completed in 1975 by the USDA NRCS and is privately owned.
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Summary
The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and creating a small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which ensures its regular inspection, permitting, and enforcement to maintain safety standards.
Situated on TR-ELK CREEK in Jasper County, Iowa, the Vanderwerff Dam is an earth dam with a height of 29 feet and a length of 342 feet. It has a surface area of 3.7 acres and drains a 0.2 square mile watershed. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and soil foundation, with no outlet gates or locks. Although its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam's risk management measures are in place to address any potential risks and emergencies that may arise.
With a designated emergency action plan and contacts, Vanderwerff Dam is equipped to handle any unforeseen events that could impact its stability. The dam's risk assessment of moderate indicates a proactive approach to ensuring its continued safety and functionality for water resource and climate enthusiasts who value the importance of proper dam management and maintenance in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
342 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Des Moines River Near Pella
|
2080cfs |
South Skunk River At Colfax
|
211cfs |
English Creek Near Knoxville
|
2cfs |
Des Moines River Near Tracy
|
1400cfs |
South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa
|
485cfs |
Indian Creek Near Mingo
|
79cfs |
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.
Vanderwerff Dam