English Bench Watershed Site 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

English Bench Watershed Site 2, located in Allamakee, Iowa, is a crucial water resource managed by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1969, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 27 feet and a length of 734 feet, the structure has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4 acres.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, this earth dam on the TR-Upper Iowa River is designed for low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment. Although not currently rated for condition assessment, the dam is inspected, permitted, and regulated by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. Notably, the dam has a spillway type of uncontrolled and is situated in a picturesque location near the Mississippi River, offering environmental benefits and recreational opportunities for the community.

Overall, English Bench Watershed Site 2 plays a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in the region. Its importance lies in providing essential services such as flood risk reduction and fire protection while also contributing to the local ecosystem and enhancing the overall water resource infrastructure. As climate change impacts water resources, this site serves as a critical asset for resilience and adaptation to changing environmental conditions in Iowa.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

734

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-UPPER IOWA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

0.39

Nid Storage

54

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.