Mud Creek Subwatershed Site 15-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Mud Creek Subwatershed Site 15-1, located in Plymouth County, Iowa, is a crucial earth dam structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1973 for fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction purposes.


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Summary

With a dam height of 36 feet and a length of 996 feet, this site has a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5.4 acres, serving a drainage area of 0.6 square miles. The dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols, ensuring its safety and functionality.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the site is deemed to have a moderate risk rating of 3 due to its location and structural characteristics. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and is primarily constructed with soil foundations. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the site's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are under review. The proximity of Mud Creek Subwatershed Site 15-1 to the TR-Mud Creek and its importance for local fire protection and flood risk reduction make it an essential water resource infrastructure in the region, managed by local government authorities and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Overall, Mud Creek Subwatershed Site 15-1 stands as an essential component of water resource management in Plymouth County, Iowa, catering to fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction needs. With its regulated state jurisdiction and regular inspection processes, the site ensures the safety of its surrounding environment and communities. As a key earth dam structure with a significant storage capacity and surface area, this site exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

996

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

TR-MUD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.4

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

115

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.