Bitter Creek Subwatershed Site 3-1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Located in Correctionville, Iowa, Bitter Creek Subwatershed Site 3-1 is a low hazard earth dam completed in 1978 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
The dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management, as well as flood risk reduction. With a height of 42 feet and a length of 550 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5 acres.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, the dam is state regulated and permitted, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its moderate risk assessment, Bitter Creek Subwatershed Site 3-1 is considered to have a low hazard potential. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 0 cubic feet per second.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Bitter Creek Subwatershed Site 3-1 to be an intriguing example of a multipurpose earth dam that plays a vital role in managing water resources in the Ida, Iowa region. Its design and functionality, combined with its regulated status and risk assessment, make it a significant piece of infrastructure in the area's water management system.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BITTER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
0.37 |
Nid Storage |
86 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
Floyd River At James
|
187cfs |
Floyd River At Alton
|
36cfs |
Perry Creek Near Milnerville
|
25cfs |
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.
Bitter Creek Subwatershed Site 3-1