Worrel Dam dam
Worrel Dam
Worrel Dam, located in Cedar Valley, Iowa, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safe operation.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Worrel Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control along the TR-Cedar River. While the dam currently does not have a spillway, its uncontrolled design allows for the safe release of excess water in the event of heavy rainfall or flooding. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam's regular maintenance and oversight by state regulatory agencies ensure its continued functionality in protecting the surrounding area from potential water-related risks.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Worrel Dam offers a fascinating example of how private owners can contribute to environmental protection and water management efforts. Its strategic location, design, and purpose highlight the importance of sustainable infrastructure in safeguarding communities against water-related hazards. As climate change continues to impact water resources, dams like Worrel play a vital role in ensuring the resilience and safety of local ecosystems and residents.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Worrel Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Hoover Crk At Hoover Nat.Hist.Site West Branch | 2 cfs | → |
| Rapid Creek Near Iowa City | 10 cfs | → |
| Iowa River Below Coralville Dam Nr Coralville | 2,140 cfs | → |
| Iowa River At Iowa City | 2,160 cfs | → |
| Clear Creek Near Coralville | 29 cfs | → |
| Old Mans Creek Near Iowa City | 118 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Worrel Dam.
Boat launches
- White Oak Avenue Northeast 1273, Cedar Township
- Cedar Park Road Linn County
- Cottage Reserve Road Northeast Big Grove Township
- Lake Mcbride Road East Big Grove Township
- Lake Mcbride Road Northeast Big Grove Township
- Anglers Point Road Northeast Big Grove Township
Track Worrel Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Worrel Dam
Where does the data for Worrel Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Worrel Dam.