Blockton Watershed Site J-1 dam
Blockton Watershed Site J-1
Blockton Watershed Site J-1 is a vital water resource located in Taylor, Iowa, near the city of Athelstan. This site is a local government-owned earth dam completed in 1966 by the USDA NRCS, with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, or a small fish pond. The dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans a length of 698 feet, creating a storage capacity of 249 acre-feet and a surface area of 16.5 acres. It is regulated by the Iowa DNR and serves to reduce flood risks in the area.
The Blockton Watershed Site J-1 is situated along the TR-Platte River and falls under the jurisdiction of the Rock Island District of the USACE. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level and is currently not rated for its condition. With a drainage area of 1.16 square miles, this site plays a crucial role in managing water resources and safeguarding against potential emergencies. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this site presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and watershed management in the heart of Iowa.
As an essential component of the local water infrastructure, Blockton Watershed Site J-1 offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of water resource management, environmental conservation, and climate resilience. With its connection to the Platte River and its role in flood risk reduction, this dam serves as a valuable asset for the community of Athelstan and beyond. For those passionate about water resources and climate adaptation, exploring the design, construction, and regulation of this site provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in managing our natural resources effectively.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Blockton Watershed Site J-1 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| East Fork 102 River At Bedford | 0 cfs | → |
| One Hundred And Two River At Maryville | 1,750 cfs | → |
| Nodaway River At Clarinda | 1,080 cfs | → |
| Nodaway River Near Burlington Jct | 2,430 cfs | → |
| East Fork Big Creek Near Bethany | 411 cfs | → |
| Thompson River At Davis City | 2,350 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Blockton Watershed Site J-1.
Track Blockton Watershed Site J-1 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Blockton Watershed Site J-1
Where does the data for Blockton Watershed Site J-1 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Blockton Watershed Site J-1.