Wedeking Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Shell Rock Milldam Waverly Milldam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Wedeking Dam, located in Clarksville, Iowa, is a private earth dam completed in 1971 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam stands at 20 feet high and spans 800 feet across the TR- Shell Rock River, with a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is state-regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Wedeking Dam serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area, offering storage for fire protection and supporting local wildlife through its small fish pond function. The dam's location in Butler County, Iowa, in the Rock Island District, makes it a key component of the region's water management infrastructure. With a moderate risk rating, the dam's risk assessment highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the continued effectiveness of the structure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate Wedeking Dam's role in providing essential water storage and support for local ecosystems in Iowa. With its uncontrolled spillway and state-regulated status, the dam represents a balance between human needs and environmental stewardship. As a privately owned structure, Wedeking Dam showcases the collaboration between private entities and government agencies to manage and protect water resources for the benefit of both people and nature.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR- SHELL ROCK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.77 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Shell Rock River At Shell Rock
|
484cfs |
Cedar River At Waverly
|
436cfs |
West Fork Cedar River At Finchford
|
502cfs |
Cedar River At Janesville
|
711cfs |
Beaver Creek At New Hartford
|
123cfs |
Cedar River At Cedar Falls
|
1880cfs |
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 |
|---|---|---|
Shell Rock Rec Area
|
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Cedar Bend Park
|
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North Cedar Park
|
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Thunder Woman Park
|
Wedeking Dam
Atlas Avenue Bremer County