Dane Ridge Watershed Site D-2-5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Dane Ridge Watershed Site D-2-5 in Crawford County, Iowa, is a vital earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1978 for multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, flood risk reduction, and more.


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Summary

This impressive structure stands at a height of 37 feet, with a length of 750 feet, and has a storage capacity of 154 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Welsh Creek offstream gully D, serving as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Iowa DNR, the Dane Ridge Watershed Site D-2-5 plays a significant role in water management and conservation efforts in the region. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, this dam ensures the safety and well-being of the community while providing essential water storage and management capabilities. The site's location in the Rock Island District further highlights its importance in the larger ecosystem.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dane Ridge Watershed Site D-2-5 serves as a fascinating example of sustainable water infrastructure with a focus on multi-purpose functionality and environmental stewardship. As a key component in the local water management system, this earth dam showcases the importance of strategic design, regulatory oversight, and ongoing maintenance to ensure long-term resilience and efficacy in water resource management. With its unique characteristics and contributions to the surrounding landscape, this site is a testament to the value of responsible water infrastructure development in addressing diverse community needs and climate challenges.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

WELSH CREEK OFFSTREAM GULLY D

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.6

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

154

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.