Mill Picayune Watershed Site M-11-4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Located in Woodbine, Iowa, the Mill Picayune Watershed Site M-11-4 is a vital water resource managed by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 50 feet with a length of 680 feet, providing a storage capacity of 356 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 11.2 acres. Situated on TR-Mill Creek, this watershed site plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction for the surrounding area.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, this dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. The Mill Picayune Watershed Site M-11-4 is part of the Rock Island District and is essential for maintaining water resources in Shelby County, Iowa. With its strategic location and purpose, this site serves as a key infrastructure for water management and conservation efforts in the region, contributing to the overall resilience of the ecosystem.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the Mill Picayune Watershed Site M-11-4 to be a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure and watershed management. With its history, design specifications, and regulatory oversight, this site exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource practices in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability for various uses. As a key component of the local government's water management strategy, this watershed site stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various agencies in safeguarding the environment and enhancing community resilience to climate-related challenges.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

680

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

TR-MILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11.2

Drainage Area

1.57

Nid Storage

356

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

50
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.