Big Park Watershed Site A-1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Big Park Watershed Site A-1, located in Crawford, Iowa, is a significant earth dam structure built in 1970 with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, or a small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam, managed by the local government and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, stands at a height of 32 feet and stretches over 640 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 167 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 4 acres and serves a drainage area of 0.58 square miles along the TR-Boyer River.
This structure, designed by the USDA NRCS, plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. Although rated as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk. Despite its condition being listed as "Not Rated," the dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its continued functionality and safety. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Big Park Watershed Site A-1 presents an intriguing case study in dam management and the intersection of environmental conservation and human development.
As enthusiasts, it is imperative to track the ongoing maintenance and management of such vital water infrastructure to prevent potential risks and ensure sustainable water resource management. The data provided for Big Park Watershed Site A-1 offers a glimpse into the complexities of balancing water resource utilization with environmental protection, highlighting the importance of effective regulation and oversight in safeguarding our natural and built environments for future generations.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
640 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BOYER RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.58 |
Nid Storage |
167 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Soldier River At Pisgah
|
112cfs |
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
West Nishnabotna River At Hancock
|
154cfs |
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.
Big Park Watershed Site A-1