Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 43-1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 43-1 in Union, Iowa is a vital water resource managed by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This local government-owned site serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. The earth dam, completed in 1976, stands at 32 feet high and spans 600 feet, with a storage capacity of 196 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.42 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the condition of the dam is currently not rated.
Located in Talmage, Iowa, along the TR-Three Mile Creek, this site falls under the jurisdiction of the Iowa DNR with state-regulated permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam's primary purpose is to provide essential water resources for the surrounding area, while also offering flood risk reduction measures. With a surface area of 12.2 acres and a normal storage capacity of 95 acre-feet, this site plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region.
Overall, Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 43-1 is a significant water resource in Union, Iowa, with a strong focus on fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. With its earth dam structure and regulated state oversight, this site provides essential water storage and flood risk reduction benefits to the local community. As climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize and appreciate the efforts put into managing and maintaining such crucial water resources for the overall well-being of the environment and its inhabitants.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-THREE MILE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.42 |
Nid Storage |
196 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
|
92cfs |
East Fork 102 River At Bedford
|
1cfs |
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.
Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 43-1
Green Valley State Park
Talmage Hill Wildlife Area
Talmage Hill Park
Thayer Lake Park
Arispe City Park