Mill Picayune Watershed Site P-47-3 dam
Mill Picayune Watershed Site P-47-3
Mill Picayune Watershed Site P-47-3, located in Shelby County, Iowa, is a crucial water resource managed by the local government for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes. Completed in 1978 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and spans 650 feet, with a storage capacity of 118 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.32 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, highlighting the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, the Mill Picayune Watershed site plays a vital role in flood risk reduction along the TR-Picayune river. With a moderate risk assessment level of 3, it is important for stakeholders to implement risk management measures and update emergency action plans to meet guidelines for potential inundation events. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and soil foundation present unique challenges that require careful monitoring and proactive decision-making to safeguard the surrounding community from water-related hazards.
As a part of the Rock Island District in Iowa, Mill Picayune Watershed Site P-47-3 is a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and analyze. Its location in Woodbine, Iowa, and the involvement of various state and federal agencies in its design and regulation make it a fascinating case study for understanding the intersection of water management, environmental protection, and infrastructure development. By staying informed about the site's history, construction, and current condition, enthusiasts can contribute to ongoing efforts to ensure the resilience and sustainability of this important water resource in Iowa.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Mill Picayune Watershed Site P-47-3 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Boyer River At Logan | 484 cfs | → |
| Soldier River At Pisgah | 151 cfs | → |
| Little Sioux River Near Turin | 1,870 cfs | → |
| West Nishnabotna River At Hancock | 318 cfs | → |
| Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin | 330 cfs | → |
| Maple River At Mapleton | 337 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Mill Picayune Watershed Site P-47-3.
Track Mill Picayune Watershed Site P-47-3 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Mill Picayune Watershed Site P-47-3
Where does the data for Mill Picayune Watershed Site P-47-3 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Mill Picayune Watershed Site P-47-3.