Lake Morris Wetland Dam Site 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Lake Morris Wetland Dam Site 1, located in Lucas, Iowa, is a local government-owned structure designed by NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1998, this earth dam stands at a height of 7 feet and has a length of 540 feet, providing a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR- Little Whitebreast Creek and serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events, making it a crucial piece of infrastructure in the region.
With a surface area of 12.8 acres and a drainage area of 2.43 square miles, Lake Morris Wetland Dam Site 1 plays a key role in managing water resources in the area. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its structural integrity and effectiveness in flood control. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not yet assessed for condition, the dam is considered to have moderate risk (3) based on a risk assessment, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Morris Wetland Dam Site 1 offers a fascinating example of local government efforts to mitigate flood risks and manage water resources effectively. Situated in a picturesque location in Lake Morris, Iowa, this earth dam stands as a testament to the importance of infrastructure in safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events. With its modest size and moderate risk rating, this dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for investment in resilient water management systems to adapt to a changing climate and protect vulnerable areas from the threat of flooding.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
7 |
River Or Stream |
TR- LITTLE WHITEBREAST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.8 |
Drainage Area |
2.43 |
Nid Storage |
84 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
7 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
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