Badger Creek Watershed Site 38-4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Badger Creek Watershed Site 38-4 is a local government-owned site in the heart of Iowa, specifically located in Madison County.


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Summary

This site, designed by USDA NRCS, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. The earth dam, completed in 1963, stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 211 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 71 acre-feet over a drainage area of 0.94 square miles.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Badger Creek Watershed Site 38-4 is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. This site plays a crucial role in water resource management, particularly for fire protection and flood risk reduction in the area. Its location near the TR-Badger Creek and its controlled spillway indicate its significance in maintaining water quality and managing water flow in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Badger Creek Watershed Site 38-4 offers a fascinating study in dam construction and management, as well as the intersection of local government ownership and state regulatory oversight. The site's historical significance, combined with its practical purposes and environmental impact, make it a valuable asset in understanding the complexities of water infrastructure and the importance of sustainable water resource management in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

710

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-BADGER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14.2

Drainage Area

0.94

Nid Storage

211

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.