Pony Creek Watershed Site 22 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Pony Creek Watershed Site 22, located in Mills County, Iowa, is a crucial earth dam structure completed in 1963 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond, as well as flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Managed by the local government, this site is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring state-permitted inspections and enforcement. The dam stands at a height of 48 feet, with a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.14 square miles, serving as a vital resource for the surrounding community.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Pony Creek Watershed Site 22 plays a key role in water resource management in the region. The dam's design and construction were overseen by the USDA NRCS, highlighting its importance in maintaining water quality and quantity in the area. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type at the site ensures efficient water flow during times of excess, further enhancing its effectiveness in flood risk reduction.

As a part of the larger Pony Creek watershed, Site 22 serves as a critical infrastructure for the community of Pacific Junction and beyond. With its strategic location and purposeful design, this dam plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks, providing water for various uses, and supporting the local ecosystem. The collaborative effort between local government and federal agencies underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

236

Dam Height

48

River Or Stream

TR-PONY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.3

Drainage Area

0.14

Nid Storage

63

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

48
       
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.