Willow Creek Subwatershed Site 3-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Willow Creek Subwatershed Site 3-1 is a crucial water resource management site located in Woodbury County, Iowa.


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Summary

Owned and regulated by the local government, this site serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management, as well as flood risk reduction. The dam, completed in 1968, is an earth-type structure with a height of 39 feet and a length of 483 feet, providing a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet and covering a drainage area of 0.2 square miles.

Managed by the USDA NRCS, Willow Creek Subwatershed Site 3-1 is part of the TR-Wolf Creek system and falls under the jurisdiction of the Iowa DNR. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, this site plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality and managing flood risks in the region. Despite not having a current condition rating, the dam is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state regulatory agencies, ensuring its structural integrity and operational efficiency.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Willow Creek Subwatershed Site 3-1 presents an intriguing case study in sustainable water management and infrastructure development. With its multiple purposes and state-regulated status, this site exemplifies the importance of effective dam design and maintenance in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security for both human and ecological communities in the Woodbury County area of Iowa.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

483

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

TR-WOLF CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.1

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

51

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

39
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.