Lake Hendricks Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Lake Hendricks Dam, located in Riceville, Iowa, is a local government-owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1960 by WALLACE & HOLLAND, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 2375 feet, holding a storage capacity of 960 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-WAPSIPINICON RIVER and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to maintain its safety and functionality.

With a significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Lake Hendricks Dam poses a moderate risk level, prompting a five-year inspection frequency to monitor its structural integrity. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and soil foundation, the dam continues to provide a surface area of 50 acres for recreational activities and a normal storage capacity of 500 acre-feet. The dam's location in Howard County, Iowa, makes it a vital component of the local water resource management system, contributing to the overall environmental sustainability and climate resilience of the region.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

2375

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-WAPSIPINICON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

50

Drainage Area

1.88

Nid Storage

960

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.