Van Sickle Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Engnell Dam Adams Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Van Sickle Dam, located in Boone, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1995, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and stretches 365 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 253 acre-feet. Situated along the TR-Des Moines River, this dam serves as a crucial resource for the surrounding area, with a surface area of 8.2 acres and a drainage area of 1.4 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, Van Sickle Dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's risk assessment is categorized as moderate (3), highlighting the importance of proper risk management measures. With a history of construction and design overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Van Sickle Dam as a significant infrastructure contributing to fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management in the area. Its location near the Saylorville Reservoir and the Rock Island District underscores its importance in the broader water management system. As a privately owned structure with state regulation and oversight, this dam exemplifies the collaboration between various agencies to ensure the safety and functionality of critical water resources in Iowa.
Year Completed |
1995 |
Dam Length |
365 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
TR- DES MOINES RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.2 |
Drainage Area |
1.4 |
Nid Storage |
253 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Squaw Creek At Ames
|
53cfs |
Des Moines River Near Stratford
|
1720cfs |
South Skunk River Near Ames
|
92cfs |
South Skunk River Below Squaw Creek Near Ames
|
130cfs |
North Raccoon River Near Jefferson
|
530cfs |
Beaver Creek Near Grimes
|
183cfs |
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 |
|---|---|---|
Camp Hantesa
|
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Ledges State Park Campground
|
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Hopi
|
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Staff Quarters
|
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Zuni
|
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Chanotedah
|
Van Sickle Dam
220th Street Boone County