Walling Subwatershed Sta 18+50 #1j Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Walling Subwatershed Sta 18+50 #1j is a local government-owned earth dam in Woodbury County, Iowa, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1953.


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Summary

This dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond creation, as well as flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. With a maximum storage capacity of 48 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 28 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Located in Oto, Iowa, along the TR-Little Sioux River, the Walling Subwatershed Sta 18+50 #1j dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. While the dam has not undergone recent inspections or maintenance, it is regulated by the Iowa DNR and falls under state jurisdiction for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The risk assessment for this dam is moderate, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and potential risk management measures to ensure its safety and functionality for both water resource management and flood control purposes.

Despite its age and lack of recent assessments, the Walling Subwatershed Sta 18+50 #1j dam remains a key infrastructure for water resource management in the area. As climate change continues to impact water availability and flood risks, the importance of maintaining and potentially upgrading this dam to meet current safety standards and operational needs becomes increasingly apparent. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should keep an eye on developments surrounding this dam to ensure its continued effectiveness in protecting the local community and environment.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE SIOUX RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.6

Drainage Area

0.13

Nid Storage

48

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.