Davis Subwatershed 5-1620 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Davis Subwatershed 5-1620, located in Woodbury County, Iowa, is a dam constructed in 1958 by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
The dam, with an earth structure and a height of 34 feet, serves to mitigate flood risk along the TR-Cottonwood Hollow river. With a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet and a surface area of 2 acres, it covers a drainage area of 0.22 square miles.
Managed by the local government, the dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk level, the condition assessment remains unrated. With a spillway type of uncontrolled, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. As an important structure in the subwatershed, it contributes to the overall flood risk reduction efforts in the area.
Overall, Davis Subwatershed 5-1620 serves as a key infrastructure for water resource management in Woodbury County, Iowa. With its primary purpose of fire protection and stock pond management, the dam plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the TR-Cottonwood Hollow river. As climate change impacts become more pronounced, the significance of such structures in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability for various purposes cannot be overstated.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COTTONWOOD HOLLOW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.22 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Missouri River At Decatur
|
15500cfs |
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
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.
Davis Subwatershed 5-1620