Mule Creek Watershed Sta 56+03 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Mills County, Iowa, the Mule Creek Watershed Sta 56+03 is a local government-owned earth dam completed in 1956 by USDA NRCS.
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Summary
With a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond, this structure also serves to reduce flood risks in the area. The dam has a height of 35 feet and a length of 700 feet, with a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.74 square miles.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, this dam on TR-Mule Creek has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. While it is not currently rated for condition assessment, the structure is inspected, permitted, and regulated by state authorities. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has a surface area of 3.6 acres, providing vital water resource management in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Mule Creek Watershed Sta 56+03 offers a fascinating example of how local governments work with federal agencies like the USDA NRCS to build and maintain earth dams for multiple purposes. With a focus on fire protection, livestock support, and flood risk reduction, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the Mills County area. As it continues to be monitored and regulated by the Iowa DNR, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices for the community.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MULE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.74 |
Nid Storage |
67 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
West Nishnabotna River At Randolph
|
512cfs |
Weeping Water Creek At Union
|
20cfs |
East Nishnabotna River At Red Oak
|
305cfs |
Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg
|
1190cfs |
Missouri River At Nebraska City
|
24100cfs |
Missouri River At Omaha
|
18800cfs |
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.
Mule Creek Watershed Sta 56+03