Parnell Creek Subwatershed Site M-4 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Parnell Creek Subwatershed Site M-4 is a crucial water resource located in Woodbury County, Iowa, specifically in the city of Smithland.
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Summary
This site, owned by the local government, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. The dam, completed in 1967, is an earth structure standing at a height of 26 feet and a length of 230 feet, with a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.42 square miles.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. While the condition of the dam has not been formally rated, it undergoes state inspection, permitting, and enforcement to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The primary source agency for the site is the state of Iowa, with design assistance from the USDA NRCS, highlighting a collaborative effort in managing and safeguarding this important water resource for the community.
Overall, Parnell Creek Subwatershed Site M-4 plays a vital role in protecting the local area from flooding, providing water for various uses, and supporting wildlife habitat. With its strategic location and well-maintained infrastructure, this site underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climatic conditions and growing water demands.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
230 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PARNELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.4 |
Drainage Area |
2.42 |
Nid Storage |
51 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Parnell Creek Subwatershed Site M-4