Honey Creek Watershed Site A-3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Honey Creek Watershed Site A-3 is a crucial water resource located in Rathbun Reservoir, Iowa.


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Summary

This site, managed by the local government, plays a significant role in fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes. The dam, completed in 1955, stands at a height of 19 feet and has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, this earth dam on Honey Creek serves as a vital component in flood risk reduction efforts in the area.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this site is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring proper inspection, permitting, and enforcement measures are in place. Despite not having a condition assessment rating, the dam's structural integrity and functionality are critical for maintaining water resources in the region. With a drainage area of 0.33 square miles and a surface area of 4 acres, Honey Creek Watershed Site A-3 plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in Lucas County, Iowa.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts are encouraged to explore the significance of Honey Creek Watershed Site A-3 in the broader context of water management and conservation. With its strategic location, purposeful design, and low hazard potential, this site offers insights into the importance of sustainable infrastructure for maintaining water quality, flood risk reduction, and ecosystem health. As a key component of the Rathbun Reservoir ecosystem, this dam on Honey Creek underscores the interconnectedness of water resources and the need for proactive management practices to ensure the long-term resilience of our natural environment.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

HONEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

0.33

Nid Storage

50

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
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.