Elfrink Wetland Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Elfrink Wetland Dam #1, located in Van Buren, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the NRCS and completed in 1994.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and spans 1635 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet. The dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and is used for various purposes related to water resource management and conservation.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Elfrink Wetland Dam #1 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure safety and compliance with state guidelines. The dam has a low hazard potential rating and a moderate risk assessment, indicating a stable condition with some potential risks that are actively managed. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and limited discharge capacity, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the TR-FOX RIVER watershed and supporting the local ecosystem.

With its strategic location in the Kansas City District and proximity to WAYLAND, MO, Elfrink Wetland Dam #1 contributes to the overall water management efforts in the region. This structure not only provides flood control and water storage benefits but also serves as a habitat for wildlife and a key component of the local ecology. As an essential part of the water infrastructure, this dam is an important site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and appreciate the intersection of engineering, ecology, and sustainability.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

1635

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

TR- FOX RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11.1

Drainage Area

0.09

Nid Storage

62

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

8
       
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.