Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 33 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Located in Talmage, Iowa, Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 33 is a low-hazard earth dam completed in 1976 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam has a height of 36 feet and a length of 510 feet, providing a storage capacity of 185 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 0.23 square miles, the dam serves as a crucial flood risk reduction measure for the area.
Despite its low hazard potential, Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 33 is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance. The dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and management measures to mitigate any potential risks. With a surface area of 11.3 acres and a normal storage capacity of 119 acre-feet, this dam plays a significant role in water resource management in Union County, Iowa.
In the scenic backdrop of the TR-Three Mile Creek, Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 33 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of local government and the USDA NRCS in safeguarding the community from flooding and ensuring adequate water supply for various purposes. As climate change impacts water resources, the importance of such infrastructure for resilience and adaptation cannot be overstated. This site serves as a vital component of the watershed, contributing to the overall sustainability and well-being of the region.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
510 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TR-THREE MILE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.23 |
Nid Storage |
185 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Thompson River At Davis City
|
22cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
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 33
Talmage Hill Wildlife Area
Talmage Hill Park
Thayer Lake Park
Green Valley State Park
Arispe City Park