Crawford Creek Subwatershed Site M-3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Located in the heart of Danbury, Iowa, the Crawford Creek Subwatershed Site M-3 is a vital water resource managed by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This site, completed in 1976, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction and recreation area for the local community. With a dam height of 49 feet and a storage capacity of 1349 acre-feet, the site plays a significant role in mitigating potential hazards while providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Crawford Creek Subwatershed Site M-3 boasts a surface area of 63 acres and a drainage area of 4.01 square miles. The dam's earth structure, along with its uncontrolled spillway, ensures effective water management, making it a key player in the region's water resource infrastructure. Despite its significant hazard potential, the site's condition remains satisfactory, as indicated by the latest inspection in July 2018, underlining its importance in maintaining a safe and sustainable environment for the community.
With its strategic location along the Crawford River and its role in flood risk reduction, Crawford Creek Subwatershed Site M-3 stands as a crucial water resource site in Ida County, Iowa. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the site's operation and maintenance by the local government and USDA NRCS are essential in ensuring its effectiveness in managing water flow and protecting the surrounding area from potential hazards. As a recreation area, it also offers residents a natural retreat to enjoy outdoor activities, highlighting the site's multi-faceted role in promoting both environmental and recreational values in the region.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
980 |
Dam Height |
49 |
River Or Stream |
CRAWFORD |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
63 |
Drainage Area |
4.01 |
Nid Storage |
1349 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
49 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
North Raccoon River Near Sac City
|
312cfs |
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.
Crawford Creek Subwatershed Site M-3