Blockton Watershed Site S-7 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Blockton Watershed Site S-7, located in Taylor County, Iowa, is a key site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1970, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond management, and flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 23 feet and a storage capacity of 110 acre-feet, this site covers a surface area of 6.8 acres and drains an area of 0.38 square miles.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, this site is designed by the USDA NRCS to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the condition of the dam is currently not rated. With a spillway type of uncontrolled, this site presents an opportunity for enthusiasts to study the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and dam safety in the region.

As a federally designated site, Blockton Watershed Site S-7 falls under the jurisdiction of the Rock Island District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With its strategic location along the TR-Platte River, this site offers a unique opportunity for researchers and policymakers to assess the impact of climate change on water resources and infrastructure in the region. By understanding the design, purpose, and risk profile of this site, enthusiasts can gain insights into sustainable water management practices and the importance of proactive climate adaptation measures.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

508

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-PLATTE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.8

Drainage Area

0.38

Nid Storage

110

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.