Sickels Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Diehl Dam Peters Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Sickels Dam, located in Ringgold County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2005 for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Situated on TR-Walnut Creek, the dam has a height of 28 feet and a length of 457 feet, creating a maximum storage capacity of 146 acre-feet. With a surface area of 5.7 acres and a drainage area of 0.96 square miles, Sickels Dam serves as a vital component in managing water resources in the area.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The spillway, which is uncontrolled with a width of 3 feet, helps manage any excess water flow. The risk assessment for Sickels Dam is moderate, indicating a potential need for risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. Overall, Sickels Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure for the wellbeing of the community and environment.
Year Completed |
2005 |
Dam Length |
457 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR- WALNUT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.96 |
Nid Storage |
146 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
Sickels Dam