Jefferson Park Watershed Site 5 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Ottumwa, Iowa, Jefferson Park Watershed Site 5 is a flood risk reduction structure along the TR-Des Moines River.
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Summary
Built in 1985, this earth dam stands at 43 feet high with a length of 930 feet, providing a storage capacity of 228 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction, with additional benefits for recreation in the area.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Jefferson Park Watershed Site 5 is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2019, the dam is monitored regularly to mitigate risks and ensure public safety. The structure's design by SCS and critical role in protecting the surrounding Wapello County highlight its importance in managing water resources and climate impacts in the region.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
930 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
TR-DES MOINES RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.36 |
Nid Storage |
228 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Des Moines River At Ottumwa
|
1090cfs |
Fox River At Bloomfield
|
7cfs |
North Skunk River Near Sigourney
|
97cfs |
Chariton River Near Rathbun
|
15cfs |
Chariton River Near Moulton
|
34cfs |
South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa
|
485cfs |
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.
Jefferson Park Watershed Site 5