Wheaton Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Mt.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Sterling, Iowa, Wheaton Dam is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS to address flood risk reduction along the TR-Fox River. This earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet with a length of 450 feet, offering a storage capacity of 91 acre-feet and serving multiple purposes such as debris control and grade stabilization in addition to flood risk reduction. The dam's spillway, with a width of 12 feet, is uncontrolled, and the overall hazard potential is rated as low.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wheaton Dam is situated in Davis County and falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the state. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, it poses a moderate risk level of 3, prompting the need for ongoing risk management measures. With a drainage area of 0.4 square miles and a surface area of 4 acres, Wheaton Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Despite not being operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam's strategic location and design highlight its significance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-Fox River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

91

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.