Whispering Pines Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Whispering Pines Dam, located in Muscatine, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by Robert K.


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Summary

Simmering and completed in 2006. The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a serene spot for visitors to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking. With a height of 28 feet and a length of 335 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet, offering a tranquil retreat in the midst of nature.

Managed and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Whispering Pines Dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating. The spillway, with a width of 2 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for excess water to flow out when needed. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, inspections, enforcement, and permitting are all carried out by the state agency to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure. Despite its potential risks, the dam continues to provide a valuable recreational resource for the local community and visitors alike.

Situated on Tr- Mad Creek, Whispering Pines Dam enhances the natural beauty of the area, offering a peaceful environment for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy. With its earth structure and soil foundation, the dam blends seamlessly into the landscape, creating a harmonious balance between human intervention and nature. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Whispering Pines Dam play a crucial role in providing both recreational opportunities and vital water management functions for the surrounding ecosystem.

Year Completed

2006

Dam Length

335

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

Tr- Mad Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.8

Drainage Area

0.14

Nid Storage

53

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.