Willow Creek Subwatershed Site M-3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Willow Creek Subwatershed Site M-3 is a local government-owned dam located in Woodbury County, Iowa, along the TR-WOLF CREEK.
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Summary
Built in 1968 by USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 816 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 39 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is to provide fire protection, stock water, and support small fish ponds, while also serving as a flood risk reduction measure for the surrounding area.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3, Willow Creek Subwatershed Site M-3 is regulated and permitted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Despite not having a current condition assessment, this dam has not been rated for its condition. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it does not feature any outlet gates or associated structures. While the dam does not currently have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, it meets regulatory guidelines and is inspected, enforced, and permitted by state agencies.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Willow Creek Subwatershed Site M-3 to be an important infrastructure for managing water resources in the area, providing essential services for fire protection, livestock, and flood control. As a part of the local government's efforts to safeguard the community from potential hazards, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating risks and ensuring the resilience of the surrounding ecosystem. With its longstanding history and purposeful design, this dam represents a key component of the region's water management infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
816 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WOLF CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.5 |
Drainage Area |
1.3 |
Nid Storage |
39 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
Floyd River At James
|
187cfs |
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.
Willow Creek Subwatershed Site M-3