Rocky Branch Creek Watershed Site H-5 dam
Rocky Branch Creek Watershed Site H-5
Rocky Branch Creek Watershed Site H-5 is a crucial water resource in Jefferson, Iowa, managed by the local government with oversight from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Built in 1958 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management, as well as flood risk reduction. With a maximum storage capacity of 93 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.49 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in water management in the area.
The dam at Rocky Branch Creek Watershed Site H-5 stands at 26 feet high and spans 489 feet in length, with a spillway type classified as Uncontrolled. Despite being rated as low hazard potential, the risk assessment for this structure is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management. The condition assessment is currently listed as Not Rated, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this critical infrastructure for water resource management in the region.
With its location in the Rock Island District and proximity to the TR-Rocky Branch Creek, Rocky Branch Creek Watershed Site H-5 plays a significant role in the local ecosystem and water cycle. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is essential for enthusiasts and stakeholders to be aware of and support the conservation and management efforts for this important watershed site to ensure sustainable water management practices for the future.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Rocky Branch Creek Watershed Site H-5 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Creek Near Oakland Mills | 2,420 cfs | → |
| Big Creek Near Mt. Pleasant | 148 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At Keosauqua | 22,200 cfs | → |
| North Skunk River Near Sigourney | 3,630 cfs | → |
| English River At Kalona | 3,320 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At Ottumwa | 21,400 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Rocky Branch Creek Watershed Site H-5.
Boat launches
- Dogwood Avenue Washington County
- W15 / 330th Avenue Keokuk County
- County Road V5g Keokuk County
- Van Buren County
- Vine Avenue Washington County
- Cliffland Road Wapello County
Track Rocky Branch Creek Watershed Site H-5 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Rocky Branch Creek Watershed Site H-5
Where does the data for Rocky Branch Creek Watershed Site H-5 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Rocky Branch Creek Watershed Site H-5.