Wuthrich Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bert Dam Jim Utt Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Wuthrich Dam, located in Keosauqua, Iowa, was completed in 1996 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
With a height of 27 feet and a length of 350 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2.4 acres. Although the dam is classified as low-hazard potential, it is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Situated on the TR- South Chequest Creek, Wuthrich Dam is owned and operated by a private entity and falls under the jurisdiction of the Iowa DNR. The dam's design consists of earth materials with a soil foundation, making it a vital structure for water resource management in the area. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been assigned a Dam Safety Action Classification and its condition assessment remains unrated. Emergency action plans and risk management measures for the dam are currently not available, indicating a potential area for improvement in safety preparedness and mitigation strategies.
Overall, Wuthrich Dam plays a crucial role in providing water storage and management for fire protection, livestock, and recreational purposes in Davis County, Iowa. With its controlled spillway and low-hazard potential, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for supporting local water resources and enhancing the resilience of the surrounding ecosystem. Continued monitoring, inspection, and potential enhancements to emergency preparedness will be essential in ensuring the long-term safety and effectiveness of Wuthrich Dam for the community and the environment.
Year Completed |
1996 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR- SOUTH CHEQUEST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.05 |
Nid Storage |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Fox River At Bloomfield
|
7cfs |
Des Moines River At Ottumwa
|
1090cfs |
Des Moines River At Keosauqua
|
1800cfs |
Chariton River Near Moulton
|
34cfs |
Chariton River At Livonia
|
45cfs |
Chariton River Near Rathbun
|
14cfs |
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 |
|---|---|---|
McGowen Rec Area
|
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Lake Fisher
|
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Drakesville City Park
|
Wuthrich Dam