Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 52-1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 52-1, located in Union, Iowa, is a notable earth dam constructed in 1976 by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
This dam, with a height of 35 feet and a length of 640 feet, serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction in the area. Situated on TR-Three Mile Creek, this site is regulated by the Iowa DNR and falls under state jurisdiction for permitting, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its compliance with state regulations.
With a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.39 square miles, Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 52-1 provides critical water resource management in the region. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and its hazard potential is rated as low, with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam's risk management measures are not specified. Despite being non-federally owned, this site represents a valuable asset for the local government of Talmage, Iowa, and highlights the collaborative efforts between various agencies like the NRCS and the Iowa DNR in safeguarding water resources and enhancing climate resilience in the area.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
640 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
TR-THREE MILE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
0.39 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
|
92cfs |
East Fork 102 River At Bedford
|
1cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
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 52-1