Grand Meadow Subwatershed Site 8-3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Grand Meadow Subwatershed Site 8-3, located in Cherokee, Iowa, is a vital water resource managed by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This site serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management, as well as flood risk reduction. The earth dam, completed in 1966, stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 820 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 102 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.25 square miles.
The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. Despite not being rated for its condition, the Grand Meadow Subwatershed Site 8-3 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Iowa DNR, ensuring its operational safety and compliance. While the site has not been modified in recent years, its emergency preparedness and risk management measures are yet to be fully assessed and updated.
Situated along the TR-West Fork Little Sioux river, this water infrastructure plays a crucial role in water management within the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Grand Meadow Subwatershed Site 8-3 offers a fascinating case study in sustainable water resource utilization and management practices, demonstrating the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance to ensure long-term functionality and safety.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
820 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WEST FORK LITTLE SIOUX |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
1.25 |
Nid Storage |
102 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
Floyd River At James
|
187cfs |
Floyd River At Alton
|
36cfs |
Perry Creek Near Milnerville
|
25cfs |
Missouri River At Sioux City
|
14400cfs |
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Grand Meadow Subwatershed Site 8-3