Nelson South Wetland Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Nelson South Wetland Dam, located in Pocahontas County, Iowa, was completed in 2004 by the NRCS with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a length of 2500 feet, creating a storage capacity of 151 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 22.3 acres. The dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is designed to control the flow of water from TR- Cedar Creek, providing essential habitat for local fish and wildlife species.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level and has not been rated for its current condition. The spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 3 feet, and the dam is inspected, permitted, and regulated by state agencies to ensure its safety and proper function. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have any associated structures, it plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area and supporting the ecological diversity of the wetland ecosystem.
Overall, Nelson South Wetland Dam serves as a vital component of the local water infrastructure, providing valuable habitat for wildlife and contributing to the conservation efforts in the region. With its strategic location and design, the dam represents a successful collaboration between local government and state agencies in managing water resources and promoting environmental stewardship in the community.
Year Completed |
2004 |
Dam Length |
2500 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
TR- CEDAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.52 |
Nid Storage |
151 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
Nelson South Wetland Dam