Weed Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Weed Dam, located in Woodbine, Iowa, along TR-Mill Creek, was completed in 1959 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

Owned privately and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, this earth dam stands at 37 feet tall and spans 475 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 44 acre-feet and a surface area of 2 acres, Weed Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Managed by the USDA NRCS, Weed Dam serves as a low hazard structure with a moderate risk assessment. While its condition is currently not rated, the dam undergoes state inspections and permitting to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type of Weed Dam allows for controlled water discharge during high flow events, mitigating potential risks and ensuring the surrounding community's safety.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Weed Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned, state-regulated structure that serves multiple purposes beyond flood control. As a key feature along TR-Mill Creek, Weed Dam highlights the importance of proper dam management and regulation in maintaining water resources and protecting against potential hazards. With its historical significance and ongoing monitoring, Weed Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and public safety in Iowa's water landscape.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

475

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

TR-MILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.23

Nid Storage

44

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

37
       
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.