Waterman-Spring Subwtrshd Site 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Waterman-Spring Subwtrshd Site 1, located in O'Brien County, Iowa, is a vital water resource managed by the local government with regulatory oversight from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Designed by the USDA NRCS in 1961, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 29 feet and a length of 502 feet, the reservoir has a storage capacity of 127 acre-feet and covers an area of 10 acres.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this low-hazard dam on TR-DOG CREEK in Cherokee plays a crucial role in water management for the surrounding area. While the condition assessment is not rated, the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. Despite its modest size, Waterman-Spring Subwtrshd Site 1 serves as a valuable asset for water supply, agriculture, and environmental protection in the region.

Water enthusiasts and climate advocates can appreciate the importance of Waterman-Spring Subwtrshd Site 1 as a key component of the local water infrastructure. With a focus on sustainable water management and flood risk reduction, this dam exemplifies the intersection of human intervention and natural resources. By maintaining and monitoring this critical structure, the community can ensure the long-term viability of the water resources in O'Brien County, Iowa, and beyond.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

502

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-DOG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

1.38

Nid Storage

127

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.