North Panama Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The North Panama Dam, located in Shelby, Iowa, on Mosquito Creek, is a private dam regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

With a height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 184 acre-feet, this dam serves a primary purpose that is classified as 'Other.' Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently marked as 'Not Rated,' indicating a need for further evaluation.

While the North Panama Dam has not been rated for its condition, it is inspected, permitted, and regulated by the state of Iowa, ensuring that it meets safety standards. The dam's location within Rock Island District and its association with the federal agency USACE indicate its significance in water resource management. Furthermore, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are all under review, suggesting a proactive approach to ensuring the dam's safety and functionality.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the North Panama Dam an intriguing subject for study, given its unique location, purpose, and regulatory oversight. As a key structure on Mosquito Creek, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and storage in the area. With ongoing evaluations and risk assessments, the North Panama Dam demonstrates a commitment to safety and environmental stewardship, making it a noteworthy feature in the region's water infrastructure.

Dam Length

40

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

Mosquito Creek

Drainage Area

34

Nid Storage

184

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.