Ryan Henschal Watershed Site A-2, located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is a key flood risk reduction infrastructure managed by the local government.
Wind
Humidity
Designed by H. McKeown & Assoc and USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 39 feet in height and stretches 1000 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 391 acre-feet. Completed in 1976, this structure plays a crucial role in managing the flow of the Little Henschal Creek, covering a drainage area of 1.27 square miles.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Ryan Henschal Watershed Site A-2 has not been inspected since September 2003. Despite its condition being "Not Rated", the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, alongside other secondary purposes such as recreation. The site is under the regulatory oversight of the Iowa DNR and is situated in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, under the jurisdiction of the state.
In an era where climate change is amplifying the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, infrastructure like Ryan Henschal Watershed Site A-2 plays a critical role in safeguarding communities from flooding. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design, capacity, and regulatory aspects of such structures is essential for ensuring the resilience of our watersheds in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
39 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE HENSCHAL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19.2 |
Drainage Area |
1.27 |
Nid Storage |
391 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
39 |
Missouri River At Omaha
|
17700cfs |
Big Papillion Cr
|
38cfs |
West Nishnabotna River At Hancock
|
154cfs |
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
Elkhorn River At Waterloo
|
1120cfs |
Platte R At Louisville Ne
|
6300cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Hitchcock County Nature Center
|
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Friendship City Park
|
||
Arrowhead Park
|
||
N. P. Dodge Mem Park
|
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Lake Manawa State Park
|