Sponsler Dam

TR-CHARITON RIVER· Wayne, Iowa· Built 1961· Earth· 20 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Sponsler Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 7.5% in IA)
Dam Length450 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage78 acre-ft
Normal Storage40 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1961 (65 years old)
NID IDIA02058

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

James Sponsler

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sponsler Dam?

Sponsler Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Sponsler Dam?

Sponsler Dam is owned by James Sponsler (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sponsler Dam built?

Sponsler Dam was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Sponsler Dam?

Sponsler Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Sponsler Dam?

Sponsler Dam has a dam height of 20 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.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.