Dane Ridge Watershed Site C-5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Dane Ridge Watershed Site C-5 in Crawford, Iowa, is a local government-owned earth dam completed in 1977 by USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This dam, located on TR-BUSS CREEK, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 46 feet and a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet, it covers a surface area of 9.5 acres and drains a watershed area of 0.58 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Dane Ridge Watershed Site C-5 is regulated and permitted for operation. Although classified as having low hazard potential, it poses a moderate risk according to a rating of 3. The dam has not undergone a condition assessment and its emergency action plan status remains unreported. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has not experienced any major modifications or incidents since its construction.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dane Ridge Watershed Site C-5 offers an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and management. The site's multi-purpose design, regulatory oversight, and geographic location make it a valuable asset for studying the intersection of water management, environmental conservation, and community resilience. As efforts to mitigate climate change and adapt to changing hydrological patterns continue, understanding the performance and risks associated with structures like Dane Ridge Watershed Site C-5 will be crucial for sustainable water resource management in the future.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

490

Dam Height

46

River Or Stream

TR-BUSS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.5

Drainage Area

0.58

Nid Storage

200

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

46
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.