English Bench Watershed Site 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

English Bench Watershed Site 1, located in Allamakee, Iowa, is a vital resource managed by the local government for fire protection, stock, small fish ponds, and flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam, designed by USDA NRCS in 1969, stands at 34 feet high and spans 470 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. Situated along the TR-UPPER IOWA RIVER, this dam serves the Mississippi River area, providing essential water management services to the community.

Maintained and regulated by the Iowa DNR, English Bench Watershed Site 1 has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. While its condition is not currently rated, the dam's functionality and effectiveness in managing water resources are crucial for the surrounding area. With a drainage area of 0.89 square miles and a surface area of 6 acres, this site plays a significant role in water conservation efforts and mitigating potential risks associated with flooding and water storage.

As a key component in the local water infrastructure, English Bench Watershed Site 1 is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its operational reliability and safety standards. Furthermore, with its strategic location and design features, this site contributes to the overall resilience and sustainability of the watershed, highlighting the importance of effective water resource management in mitigating climate-related challenges and promoting environmental stewardship in the region.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-UPPER IOWA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

0.89

Nid Storage

150

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.