Parnell Creek Subwatershed Site 8-1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Parnell Creek Subwatershed Site 8-1, located in Woodbury County, Iowa, is a vital water resource managed by the local government for multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance.
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Summary
This earth dam, completed in 1968, stands at a height of 54 feet and has a storage capacity of 93 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 0.24 square miles and a surface area of 3.8 acres, the dam serves to reduce flood risks in the area while also providing essential water storage.
Managed by the USDA NRCS, this dam on the TR-Parnell Creek is regulated by the Iowa DNR and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment level, the site is designated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. While the emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Overall, Parnell Creek Subwatershed Site 8-1 serves as a key infrastructure for water storage, flood risk reduction, and environmental protection in Woodbury County, Iowa. With its strategic location, regulatory oversight, and multiple designated purposes, this earth dam plays a significant role in safeguarding the local community and ecosystem against potential water-related challenges. As climate change impacts continue to pose threats to water resources, the management and maintenance of sites like Parnell Creek are essential for ensuring sustainable water management practices and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
515 |
Dam Height |
54 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PARNELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.24 |
Nid Storage |
93 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
54 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
Missouri River At Decatur
|
14900cfs |
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.
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