Blockton Watershed Site W-3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Blockton Watershed Site W-3, located in Blockton, Iowa, is a vital water resource managed by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This earth dam, completed in 1970, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 22 feet and a storage capacity of 157 acre-feet, it covers a surface area of 8.9 acres and has a drainage area of 0.55 square miles.
The dam, situated on the TR-Platte River, is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state agency. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the condition of the dam is currently not rated. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is primarily constructed with soil as its foundation. With its strategic location and multiple functions, Blockton Watershed Site W-3 plays a crucial role in water management, flood control, and environmental conservation in Taylor County, Iowa.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Blockton Watershed Site W-3 offers a fascinating case study in sustainable water infrastructure development. As a key component of the local water management system, this dam showcases the importance of multi-purpose structures in enhancing community resilience against floods, ensuring water availability for irrigation, livestock, and firefighting, and promoting biodiversity through the creation of small fish ponds. With its strategic design, effective regulation, and moderate risk management measures, Blockton Watershed Site W-3 stands as a model for integrated water resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
557 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PLATTE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.55 |
Nid Storage |
157 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Blockton Watershed Site W-3