Crooked Creek Watershed Site 7a Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Crooked Creek Watershed Site 7a, located in Audubon, Iowa, is a crucial water resource managed by the local government for multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management, as well as flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1971 by USDA NRCS, has a height of 31 feet and a length of 352 feet, providing storage capacity of 71 acre-feet to serve a drainage area of 0.34 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is state-regulated by the Iowa DNR, ensuring regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to maintain its structural integrity and operational safety.

The dam at Crooked Creek Watershed Site 7a is designed to control the flow of Crooked Creek, a tributary of the Missouri River, and protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there is a need for continued risk management measures to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure. Although the dam is not owned or funded by federal agencies, it serves an important role in water resource management and environmental conservation efforts in the region. Overall, Crooked Creek Watershed Site 7a is a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the intersection of infrastructure development and natural resource protection in Iowa.

As a site regulated by the state, Crooked Creek Watershed Site 7a in Atlantic, Iowa, demonstrates the collaborative efforts between local government and the Iowa DNR to maintain water infrastructure for the benefit of the community. With a focus on fire protection, stock management, and flood risk reduction, this earth dam plays a vital role in water resource management within the region. By adhering to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements, the site ensures the safety and sustainability of its operations, contributing to the overall resilience of the watershed and surrounding areas. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Crooked Creek Watershed Site 7a serves as a prime example of effective water infrastructure management and environmental stewardship in action.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

352

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR-CROOKED CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

0.34

Nid Storage

71

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.