Drainage District 15 North Wetland Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Drainage District 15 North Wetland, located in Palo Alto County, Iowa, near the city of Emmetsburg, is a captivating site designed by I & S Group for the primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

This wetland was completed in 2013 and covers a surface area of 28 acres with a drainage area of 2.9 square miles. It boasts a dam height of 13 feet, providing a storage capacity of 230 acre-feet for the benefit of local wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Drainage District 15 North Wetland presents a low hazard potential and a high risk assessment rating of 2. Although the condition of the structure has not been rated, it has been inspected, permitted, and is subject to state jurisdiction, enforcement, and inspection. This wetland serves as a valuable resource for the community, contributing to the conservation and enhancement of the surrounding environment.

Situated along Tr. Jack Creek and within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Drainage District 15 North Wetland stands as a testament to sustainable water resource management practices. With its emphasis on fish and wildlife preservation, this wetland showcases the importance of balancing human development with environmental conservation efforts in the face of climate change challenges.

Year Completed

2013

Dam Length

2216

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

Tr. Jack Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28

Drainage Area

2.9

Nid Storage

230

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

13
       
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.