Wadle Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Located in Warren County, Iowa, the Wadle Dam stands as a crucial water resource infrastructure managed by a private owner.


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Summary

Built in 2005 by the NRCS, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. With a height of 28 feet and a length of 374 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 144 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6.1 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes state inspection, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance.

Situated in the Red Rock Reservoir area, the Wadle Dam plays a vital role in controlling the flow of TR- Flank Creek and providing water for various uses in the region. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 3 feet and a drainage area of 0.9 square miles. Although the dam's condition is currently not rated, its risk assessment is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management measures to mitigate potential risks. The surrounding community benefits from the dam's water supply for irrigation, livestock, and fire protection, highlighting its significance in sustaining local ecosystems and economies.

As a key component of the water infrastructure in the area, the Wadle Dam contributes to the overall water management efforts in Iowa. With Cindy Axne (D) as the representative for the region, the dam's operations and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources. While the dam's emergency action plan and risk assessment require further development, its role in supporting agriculture, industry, and environmental conservation underscores the importance of proactive management and collaboration among stakeholders to safeguard the region's water supply and resilience to climate change impacts.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

374

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TR- FLANK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.1

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

144

Hazard Potential

Low

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.