Vaubel Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Vaubel Dam in Tama, Iowa, stands as a testament to private ownership and state regulation in the realm of water resource management.
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Summary
Built in 1983 by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 29 feet and a length of 600 feet, the dam holds a normal storage capacity of 37 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6.2 acres.
Located on the Cedar River tributary of Rock Creek, Vaubel Dam is under the jurisdiction of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and boasts a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. Despite its relatively modest scale, the dam is subject to regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement by state agencies, ensuring its safe and efficient operation. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and soil foundation are typical of earth dams, providing a crucial barrier to control water flow and prevent flooding downstream.
Overall, Vaubel Dam serves as a vital component of the local water management infrastructure, protecting the surrounding area from potential hazards and providing necessary resources for both human and ecological needs. Its presence highlights the importance of private and state cooperation in safeguarding water resources and adapting to the changing climate conditions that impact water availability and quality. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Vaubel Dam is a prime example of the intersection between human intervention and natural processes in maintaining a sustainable water supply for present and future generations.
Year Completed |
1983 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR- ROCK CR. |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.22 |
Nid Storage |
106 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wolf Creek Near Dysart
|
35cfs |
Black Hawk Creek At Hudson
|
103cfs |
Salt Creek Near Elberon
|
42cfs |
Cedar River At Waterloo
|
2090cfs |
Richland Creek Near Haven
|
12cfs |
Iowa River Near Belle Plaine
|
966cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Hickory Hills Park - La Porte City
|
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T. F. Clark Co Park
|
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McFarlane Park
|
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Rodgers County Park
|
Vaubel Dam