English Bench Watershed Site 5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

English Bench Watershed Site 5, located in Allamakee County, Iowa, is a crucial water resource managed by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This site plays a significant role in fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management, as well as flood risk reduction. The earth dam, completed in 1970, stands at a height of 47 feet and has a storage capacity of 107 acre-feet, making it a vital infrastructure for water management in the area.

Despite its low hazard potential, English Bench Watershed Site 5 is regulated by the Iowa DNR and undergoes regular state inspections, enforcement, and permitting. The dam structure, with a length of 507 feet, serves a drainage area of 0.54 square miles along the TR-Upper Iowa River. The site's risk assessment is moderate, emphasizing the importance of ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety and efficiency of the dam in the face of changing climate conditions and water resource demands.

With its strategic location near the Mississippi River and its role in water storage and flood risk reduction, English Bench Watershed Site 5 stands as a critical piece of infrastructure in the region. Managed by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam provides essential services for fire protection, stock management, and small fish pond operations, highlighting its multifaceted contributions to water resource management in Iowa's Allamakee County.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

507

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

TR-UPPER IOWA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

0.54

Nid Storage

107

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

47
       
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.