Vander Molen Dam dam
Vander Molen Dam
Vander Molen Dam, located in Union Mills, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Iowa DNR. Completed in 1974, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 262 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 47 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, while also serving fire protection, stock, and small fish pond needs in the area.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Vander Molen Dam is an essential piece of infrastructure for water resource management in Mahaska County. The dam is situated on the TR-North Skunk River, providing vital water storage and management capabilities for the local area. While the dam has not been rated for condition assessment, its design and purpose contribute to the overall water security and climate resilience of the region.
As a key feature in the landscape of Mahaska County, Vander Molen Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and providing recreational opportunities for the community. Managed by private owners and supported by the USDA NRCS, the dam represents a collaborative effort in water resource management. Its presence not only enhances the local ecosystem but also contributes to the overall sustainability and resilience of the region in the face of climate challenges.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Vander Molen Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa | 1,230 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River Near Pella | 6,780 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River Near Tracy | 6,910 cfs | → |
| Cedar Creek Near Bussey | 24 cfs | → |
| English Creek Near Knoxville | 5 cfs | → |
| Walnut Creek Near Hartwick | 33 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Vander Molen Dam.
Boat launches
- 198th Place Marion County
- Mahaska County
- Jade Street Jasper County
- Marion County
- Rock Creek East Street Jasper County
Campgrounds
- Robertson Access
- Union Mills Access
- Diamond Lake County Park
- Glendale Access
- North Overlook - Red Rock Lake
- Wallashuck - Red Rock Lake
More reservoirs
Track Vander Molen Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Vander Molen Dam
Where does the data for Vander Molen Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Vander Molen Dam.