Upper Beaver Subwatershed Site 50-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Upper Beaver Subwatershed Site 50-1, located in Little Sioux, Iowa, is a local government-owned earth dam completed in 1968 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

Situated along TR-Beaver Creek, this dam serves multiple functions including flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 49 feet and a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet, this structure covers a surface area of 2.5 acres and drains a 0.16 square mile watershed.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Upper Beaver Subwatershed Site 50-1 is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Iowa DNR. The dam is designed with an uncontrolled spillway type and has not been assigned a condition assessment rating. Additionally, the risk assessment for this site is classified as moderate, indicating a potential for increased risk. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it remains an essential asset for water resource management in the area, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

As an integral part of the water infrastructure in Monona County, Upper Beaver Subwatershed Site 50-1 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from flooding and providing essential water resources for various purposes. With its strategic location and design, this dam represents a significant investment in water management and conservation efforts in the region. Continued collaboration between local government agencies, the USDA NRCS, and the Iowa DNR will be essential to uphold the integrity of this structure and ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and supporting local water needs.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

693

Dam Height

49

River Or Stream

TR-BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Drainage Area

0.16

Nid Storage

63

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

49
       
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.