Mule Creek Watershed Sta 89+00 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Mills County, Iowa, the Mule Creek Watershed Sta 89+00 is a vital water resource managed by the local government with regulatory oversight from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
Built in 1956 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond maintenance. With a dam height of 45 feet and a storage capacity of 349 acre-feet, the structure covers a surface area of 17.5 acres and drains an area of 2.42 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's condition remains unassessed, highlighting the need for regular inspections and risk management measures for potential flood risk reduction.
Sitting along the TR-Mule Creek river, the Mule Creek Watershed Sta 89+00 is designed to withstand various hydraulic pressures with its uncontrolled spillway type. While no outlet gates or locks are present, the dam's foundation is built on soil, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and inspection protocols. With its location in a rural area near Hamburg, Iowa, the dam not only provides essential water resources for local agriculture and fire protection but also contributes to flood risk reduction efforts in the region. The engagement of the Natural Resources Conservation Service in the design process ensures a sustainable approach to water management and environmental conservation in the watershed.
As a key infrastructure for the community, the Mule Creek Watershed Sta 89+00 plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality and supporting local ecosystems. With its long history of service since the 1950s, the dam continues to be a valuable asset for the region, requiring ongoing monitoring and potential upgrades to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates can appreciate the importance of this earth dam in preserving the natural landscape and addressing the challenges of water management in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
45 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MULE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17.5 |
Drainage Area |
2.42 |
Nid Storage |
349 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
45 |
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 |
Missouri River At Nebraska City
|
24100cfs |
Missouri River At Omaha
|
18800cfs |
Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg
|
1190cfs |
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 89+00
US 34;US 275 Mills County