Waubonsie Cr. Watershed Site 23-2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Mills County, Iowa, Waubonsie Cr.


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Summary

Watershed Site 23-2 is a vital water resource managed by the local government. Built in 1979 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance, as well as flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 54 feet and a storage capacity of 358 acre-feet, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water levels and protecting the surrounding area from potential hazards.

The dam, situated on the TR-Waubonsie Creek, covers a drainage area of 0.21 square miles and boasts a surface area of 13.7 acres. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition remains unrated. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources regulates and inspects this structure, ensuring its operational readiness and compliance with state permitting and enforcement measures. Overall, Waubonsie Cr. Watershed Site 23-2 stands as a key component in the region's water management infrastructure, safeguarding the community and environment against water-related risks and supporting various ecological functions.

With its strategic location, impressive dimensions, and multi-purpose functionality, Waubonsie Cr. Watershed Site 23-2 serves as a beacon of water resource management in the Iowa landscape. Supported by federal funding and designed to meet the diverse needs of the community, this dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between local government and federal agencies in safeguarding water resources and enhancing climate resilience. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, the importance of sites like Waubonsie Cr. Watershed Site 23-2 cannot be understated, showcasing the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

54

River Or Stream

TR-WAUBONSIE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.7

Drainage Area

0.21

Nid Storage

358

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

54
       
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.