Dugout Creek Wetland Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Dugout Creek Wetland Dam, located in Spencer, Iowa, is a Federal-owned structure designed by Doug Lipetzky that serves multiple purposes beyond traditional flood control.


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Summary

Completed in 1993, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans 245 feet across Dugout Creek. With a storage capacity of 1,090 acre-feet, the dam helps regulate water flow in the area, maintaining a normal storage volume of 243 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 94.3 acres.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Dugout Creek Wetland Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced at the state level to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While the dam has a low hazard potential, a moderate risk assessment rating suggests ongoing management measures are in place to address potential concerns. The dam's location in Dickinson County, along with its role in regulating flow on TR-Dugout Creek, highlights its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Overall, Dugout Creek Wetland Dam stands as an essential piece of infrastructure in Iowa's water management system, providing not only flood control benefits but also contributing to wetland conservation and ecological restoration efforts. As a federally-owned structure with state oversight, the dam exemplifies the collaborative approach needed to address water resource challenges while balancing environmental considerations and community safety in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

245

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR- DUGOUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

94.3

Drainage Area

14.6

Nid Storage

1090

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

12
       
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.