Lake Morris Erosion Control Site 5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Lake Morris Erosion Control Site 5, located in Lucas, Iowa, is a crucial part of the local fire protection and stock preservation efforts.


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Summary

Built in 1972 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 31 feet tall and spans 601 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 336 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is monitored and regulated by the Iowa DNR to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

The dam's primary purpose is to serve as a fire protection, stock, or small fish pond, with a normal storage capacity of 62 acre-feet. Situated along the TR-Little Whitebreast Creek, this site plays a vital role in water resource management in the area. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is subject to regular inspections and enforcement actions to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure its continued functionality for the community.

As part of the Kansas City District, Lake Morris Erosion Control Site 5 exemplifies the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and federal entities like the NRCS. With its strategic location and critical role in water resource management, this site serves as a model for effective erosion control and sustainable water infrastructure development in the region.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

601

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE WHITEBREAST CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.5

Drainage Area

0.91

Nid Storage

336

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.