Pony Creek Watershed Site 11 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Pony Creek Watershed Site 11, located in Mills County, Iowa, is a vital water resource managed by the local government with assistance from the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This site serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond use, as well as flood risk reduction in the area. The earth dam, completed in 1963, stands at 53 feet in height and spans 631 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 116 acre-feet and a surface area of 3.8 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the site is regulated by the Iowa DNR and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

The dam on Pony Creek Watershed Site 11 is designed to handle moderate risk, as indicated by a rating of 3 out of 5. While the condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," the site has not experienced any modifications since its completion. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and is situated on TR-Pony Creek, providing essential water management for the surrounding area. With a designated emergency action plan (EAP) status unknown, the site's risk management measures and inundation maps preparedness remain to be further assessed. Overall, Pony Creek Watershed Site 11 serves as a crucial infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and protect for the sustainable management of water in the region.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

631

Dam Height

53

River Or Stream

TR-PONY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.8

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

116

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

53
       
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.