Mill Picayune Watershed Site N-2, located in Shelby, Iowa, is a significant Earth dam constructed in 1972 by the USDA NRCS with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
Wind
Humidity
The dam stands at a height of 39 feet and spans a length of 834 feet, providing a storage capacity of 448 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.6 square miles. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 2 feet wide, ensures the effective management of water levels in the dam.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Iowa DNR, Mill Picayune Watershed Site N-2 is inspected every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in July 2019, revealing a satisfactory condition. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam poses a moderate risk, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures. Situated along the TR-North Picayune Creek, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from floods while also serving secondary purposes such as fire protection and stock or small fish pond maintenance. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam presents a valuable case study in efficient water management and flood control strategies.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
834 |
Dam Height |
39 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NORTH PICAYUNE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13.8 |
Drainage Area |
2.6 |
Nid Storage |
448 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
39 |
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
Soldier River At Pisgah
|
112cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
West Nishnabotna River At Hancock
|
154cfs |