Bechert Dam - Lower Site dam
Bechert Dam - Lower Site
Bechert Dam - Lower Site, located in Keokuk, Iowa, is a state-owned Earth dam completed in 1999 with a primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond. The dam stands at a height of 7 feet and has a storage capacity of 451 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 209 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-South Skunk River, the dam serves as a habitat for various aquatic species and supports the conservation efforts in the area.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Bechert Dam - Lower Site is classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. The dam is not currently rated for its condition and has not undergone recent inspections. It is important for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and advocate for the maintenance and safety of this dam to ensure its continued functionality and environmental impact for the surrounding area.
With its strategic location and purpose as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, Bechert Dam - Lower Site plays a vital role in the local ecosystem and water management efforts. As a state-regulated structure, it is subject to regular inspection, permitting, and enforcement by the Iowa DNR. Its presence contributes to the conservation of natural resources and provides opportunities for research and education in the field of water resources and climate change adaptation.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Bechert Dam - Lower Site -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| North Skunk River Near Sigourney | 336 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At Ottumwa | 7,510 cfs | → |
| South Skunk River Near Oskaloosa | 1,280 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River Near Tracy | 7,220 cfs | → |
| Cedar Creek Near Bussey | 27 cfs | → |
| English River At Kalona | 240 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Bechert Dam - Lower Site.
Boat launches
- County Road V5g Keokuk County
- Mahaska County
- W15 / 330th Avenue Keokuk County
- Jefferson Street Viaduct Ottumwa
- Cliffland Road Wapello County
- Dogwood Avenue Washington County
Track Bechert Dam - Lower Site in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Bechert Dam - Lower Site
Where does the data for Bechert Dam - Lower Site come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Bechert Dam - Lower Site.