Bee Jay Watershed Site 12 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, Bee Jay Watershed Site 12 is a locally owned earth dam completed in 1964 for multiple purposes including fire protection, livestock watering, and small fish pond maintenance.
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Summary
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, this dam stands at a height of 26 feet and stretches 512 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.7 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk assessment due to its age and lack of recent condition assessments.
The dam is situated on the TR-West Nishnabota River and falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Although currently not rated for condition, Bee Jay Watershed Site 12 is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state regulatory agencies to ensure its integrity and functionality. With a spillway type of uncontrolled and a surface area of 7.9 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. As a key water resource infrastructure, Bee Jay Watershed Site 12 serves as a vital component in the overall water management strategy for Pottawattamie County.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bee Jay Watershed Site 12 presents an intriguing case study of a multi-purpose dam with historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight. As efforts continue to assess and manage the risks associated with aging infrastructure, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in the face of changing climatic conditions. With its location in a critical watershed area, Bee Jay Watershed Site 12 stands as a testament to the intersection of human intervention and natural hydrological processes in shaping the landscape of Iowa.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
512 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WEST NISHNABOTA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.9 |
Drainage Area |
2.7 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
West Nishnabotna River At Hancock
|
154cfs |
East Nishnabotna River Near Atlantic
|
143cfs |
East Nishnabotna River At Red Oak
|
270cfs |
Missouri River At Omaha
|
17700cfs |
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
West Nishnabotna River At Randolph
|
420cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lyons Park
|
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Botna Bend County Park
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Carson City Park
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Olde Towne Co Park
|
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Arrowhead Park
|
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Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds
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Bee Jay Watershed Site 12