Mill Picayune Watershed Site N-38-1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Mill Picayune Watershed Site N-38-1, located in Shelby, Iowa, is a locally owned earth dam completed in 1964 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
The primary purpose of this structure is for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond use, as well as flood risk reduction. With a height of 32 feet and a length of 528 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.8 acres, serving a drainage area of 0.34 square miles along the TR-Picayune Creek.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite a low hazard potential, the condition assessment of the dam is currently not rated, and the risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level. The emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures for this site are yet to be updated, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and improvement efforts by the authorities and stakeholders involved in water resource management and climate resilience.
In the heart of Woodbine, Iowa, the Mill Picayune Watershed Site N-38-1 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and the USDA NRCS in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential water-related hazards. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate adaptation, staying informed and engaged in the maintenance and enhancement of such critical infrastructure is essential for promoting sustainable water management practices and building resilience against the changing climate dynamics in this region.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
528 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PICAYUNE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.34 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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 |
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.
Mill Picayune Watershed Site N-38-1