Jefferson Park Watershed Site 3
Key Takeaway
Jefferson Park Watershed Site 3 is classified as high hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 42 ft (taller than 87.5% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 720 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 576 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 59 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 10 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1976 (50 years old) |
| NID ID | IA01104 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
City of Ottumwa
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Jefferson Park Watershed Site 4
Wapello, IA
High Hazard 36 ftJefferson Park Watershed Site 10
Wapello, IA
High Hazard 30 ftJefferson Park Watershed Site 1
Wapello, IA
High Hazard 36 ftJefferson Park Watershed Site 5
Wapello, IA
High Hazard 43 ftTerrell Dam
Wapello, IA
Low Hazard 30 ftOttumwa
Wapello, IA
Low Hazard 16 ftBaird Dam
Wapello, IA
Low Hazard 24 ftEngland Dam
Wapello, IA
Low Hazard 31 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Jefferson Park Watershed Site 3?
Jefferson Park Watershed Site 3 is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Jefferson Park Watershed Site 3?
Jefferson Park Watershed Site 3 is owned by City of Ottumwa (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Jefferson Park Watershed Site 3 built?
Jefferson Park Watershed Site 3 was completed in 1976, making it 50 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Jefferson Park Watershed Site 3?
Jefferson Park Watershed Site 3 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Jefferson Park Watershed Site 3?
Jefferson Park Watershed Site 3 has a dam height of 42 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Jefferson Park Watershed Site 3 last inspected?
Jefferson Park Watershed Site 3 was last inspected on June 18, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.