Nelson North Weland Dam dam
Nelson North Weland Dam
Nelson North Weland Dam, located in Pocahontas, Iowa, is a vital structure managed by the local government for the primary purpose of creating a fish and wildlife pond. This earth dam, completed in 2004 by the NRCS, stands at 7 feet tall and spans a length of 1260 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 93 acre-feet and a surface area of 12.6 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
The dam, situated on TR-Cedar Creek, is designed to control water flow through an uncontrolled spillway system. Despite being categorized as low hazard potential and having a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is subject to state regulations and regular inspections by the Iowa DNR. The surrounding community relies on the dam for recreational purposes and to support the local ecosystem, making it a key component in the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the significance of structures like Nelson North Weland Dam in maintaining ecological balance and mitigating potential risks. By understanding its design, purpose, and operational details, we can appreciate the role it plays in safeguarding the environment, supporting wildlife habitats, and ensuring sustainable water management practices in Pocahontas, Iowa.
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 Nelson North Weland Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Little Sioux River At Linn Grove | 1,490 cfs | → |
| Ocheyedan River Near Spencer | 417 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At Humboldt | 1,690 cfs | → |
| East Fork Des Moines River At Dakota City | 796 cfs | → |
| North Raccoon River Near Sac City | 429 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At Fort Dodge | 2,960 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Nelson North Weland Dam.
Track Nelson North Weland 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 Nelson North Weland Dam
Where does the data for Nelson North Weland 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 Nelson North Weland Dam.