Mill Picayune Watershed Site M-6 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mill Picayune Watershed Site M-6, located in Shelby, Iowa, is a significant earth dam completed in 1961 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
With a dam height of 40 feet and a length of 650 feet, this structure plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction in the area. Managed by the local government, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The dam has a storage capacity of 212 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 11 acres, serving a drainage area of 6.21 square miles along Mill Creek. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the condition assessment of the dam is currently not rated. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with no outlet gates or locks present. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it continues to play a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Overall, Mill Picayune Watershed Site M-6 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various agencies, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the local government, in ensuring the safety and functionality of water infrastructure in Iowa. As a key component in the watershed's ecosystem, this dam serves as a crucial resource for fire protection, stock maintenance, and flood risk reduction, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
MILL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Drainage Area |
6.21 |
Nid Storage |
212 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
Soldier River At Pisgah
|
112cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
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 M-6