Parnell Creek Subwatershed Site M-8 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Parnell Creek Subwatershed Site M-8, located in Woodbury County, Iowa, is a dam constructed in 1968 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam, owned by the local government and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, has a maximum storage capacity of 86 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5.6 acres. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, this Earth-type dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Parnell Creek Subwatershed Site M-8 plays a significant role in water resource management in the region. The dam, situated along the TR-Parnell Creek, provides essential protection against potential flooding while also serving as a valuable resource for fire protection and aquatic life support. With state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam ensures the safety and sustainability of the surrounding environment.

As a key feature in the local water infrastructure, the Parnell Creek Subwatershed Site M-8 represents a harmonious balance between human needs and environmental conservation. With its strategic location and purposeful design, this dam exemplifies the importance of responsible water resource management and climate resilience in mitigating natural disasters and promoting sustainable development.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

238

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-PARNELL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.6

Drainage Area

7

Nid Storage

86

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.